VO2 max in an Indian population: a study to understand the role of factors determining VO2 max

VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen a person can consume and the value does not change despite an increase in workload. There is lack of data evaluating the impact of factors, which could affect VO2 max measurement, particularly in Indian population. The objectives of the present study were (i) to estimate VO2 max in a young healthy Indian population and to compare it with available prediction equations for Indian population (ii) to correlate time to achieve VO2 max with the relative VO2 max (iii) to assess the factors affecting the time to achieve VO2 max measurement (body composition and physical activity level). Twenty healthy adult males (18-30 years) underwent detailed anthropometry, physical activity level and modified Bruce protocol for VO2 max assessment. Breath by breath VO2, VCO2, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure were measured continuously and following exercise protocol. There was an internal validity between the estimated VO2 max and the maximum heart rate (MHR) (r = 0.51, P < 0.05). Respiratory rate and tidal volume significantly correlated with VO2 max P < 0.01). Linear regression analysis indicated physical activity level (PAL) was a strong predictor of time to reach VO2 max. Out of the 3 prediction equations computed to estimate VO2 max, 2 equations significantly overestimated VO2 max. In Conclusion, physical activity level emerged to be a strong predictor of time to VO2 max. Time to achieve VO2 max is an important factor to be considered when determining VO2 max. There was an overestimation in the VO2 max values derived from predicted equations.