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A perceptually-regulated exercise test predicts peak oxygen uptake in older active adults
Ashleigh E Smith1, Roger G Eston, Belinda Norton
1Exercise for Health and Human Performance, Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Health Sciences, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Older adults can accurately predict peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) using a perceptually-regulated exercise test (PRET). Extrapolating submaximal VO2 to age-predicted heart rate max provides a valid VO2peak estimation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Background:
- Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Submaximal perceptually-regulated exercise tests (PRET) reliably predict VO2peak in younger adults.
- The validity of PRET for VO2peak prediction in older adults remains unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the validity of a treadmill-based PRET for predicting VO2peak in older adults.
- To compare different extrapolation methods for VO2peak prediction using PRET.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four older adults (mean age 65.2 years) performed a treadmill-based PRET.
- Participants adjusted exercise intensity to achieve ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) 9, 11, 13, and 15.
- Submaximal VO2 was extrapolated to RPE 19/20 and age-predicted heart rate max to predict VO2peak.
Main Results:
- Extrapolation to RPE endpoints 19 and 20 significantly over-predicted measured VO2peak (p < .001).
- Extrapolation to age-predicted heart rate max accurately predicted VO2peak (r = .84).
Conclusions:
- Older adults can utilize a PRET to predict their VO2peak.
- Extrapolating submaximal VO2 to age-predicted heart rate max is a valid method for VO2peak estimation in this population.
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