Explanatory variance in maximal oxygen uptake.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Background:

• Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a crucial indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
• Estimating VO2max often relies on laboratory-based maximal exertion tests.
• Submaximal protocols offer a potentially more accessible alternative for assessing VO2max.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a prediction equation for estimating VO2max using a submaximal water running protocol.
• To identify key predictors of VO2max within a water running context.
• To establish a practical method for VO2max estimation in aquatic exercise settings.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two young adults (18-24 years) participated.
• Measurements included 7-site skinfold assessment, land-based treadmill VO2max test, and a 6-minute water running test.
• Regression analysis was used to develop the prediction equation, with VO2max measured via open-circuit calorimetry.

Main Results:

• Percent body fat (% BF) was the sole significant predictor of VO2max.
• % BF accounted for 76% of the variance in VO2max (r = -0.87).
• The derived equation is VO2max (ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) = 56.14 - 0.92 (% BF).

Conclusions:

• Body fat percentage is a strong predictor of VO2max, even in a water running environment.
• The developed equation provides a simple tool for estimating VO2max based on body fat.
• Future research should focus on trained water runners to refine submaximal protocols.