Using a Verification Test for Determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in Sedentary Adults With Obesity

A constant-load exercise bout to exhaustion after a graded exercise test to verify maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) during cycle ergometry has not been evaluated in sedentary adults with obesity. Nineteen sedentary men (n = 10) and women (n = 9) with obesity (age = 35.8 ± 8.6 years; body mass index [BMI] = 35.9 ± 5.1 kg·m; body fat percentage = 44.9 ± 7.2) performed a ramp-style maximal exercise test (ramp), followed by 5-10 minutes of active recovery, and then performed a constant-load exercise bout to exhaustion (verification test) on a cycle ergometer for determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and maximal heart rate (HRmax). V[Combining Dot Above]O2max did not differ between tests (ramp: 2.29 ± 0.71 L·min, verification: 2.34 ± 0.67 L·min; p = 0.38). Maximal heart rate was higher on the verification test (177 ± 13 b·min vs. 174 ± 16 b·min; p = 0.03). Thirteen subjects achieved a V[Combining Dot Above]O2max during the verification test that was ≥2% (range: 2.0-21.0%; 0.04-0.47 L·min) higher than during the ramp test, and 8 subjects achieved a HRmax during the verification test that was 4-14 b·min higher than during the ramp test. Duration of verification or ramp tests did not affect V[Combining Dot Above]O2max results, but the difference in HRmax between the tests was inversely correlated with ramp test duration (r = -0.57, p = 0.01). For both V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and HRmax, differences between ramp and verification tests were not correlated with BMI or body fat percentage. A verification test may be useful for identifying the highest V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and HRmax during cycle ergometry in sedentary adults with obesity.