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A new approach to assessing maximal aerobic power in children: the Odense School Child Study
H S Hansen1, K Froberg, J R Nielsen
1Odense School Child Study Group, Denmark.
Insights
Calculating maximal aerobic power (VO2max) from maximal mechanical power (Wmax) in children aged 9-11 is accurate. This method provides a valid estimate of VO2max using a multi-stage cycle ergometer test.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment
Background:
- Maximal aerobic power (VO2max) is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Accurate assessment of VO2max in children is crucial for monitoring growth and training.
- Existing methods for VO2max estimation in pediatric populations require further validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of calculating VO2max from maximal mechanical power (Wmax) in children.
- To establish a reliable method for estimating VO2max using a cycle ergometer test in young individuals.
- To assess the correlation between relative work loads expressed as %VO2max and %Wmax.
Main Methods:
- A maximal multi-stage cycle ergometer exercise test was administered to 39 children aged 9-11 years.
- Oxygen consumption was measured in a subset of participants to derive a correction factor for VO2max calculation.
- Work rates were adjusted based on height for boys and girls to standardize the exercise test.
Main Results:
- Calculated VO2max showed a significant correlation with measured VO2max in both boys (r=0.90) and girls (r=0.95).
- The standard error of estimation for calculated VO2max was less than 3.2%, indicating high accuracy.
- Relative work loads (%VO2max and %Wmax) were closely correlated, with %VO2max predictable from %Wmax (SE=3.8%).
Conclusions:
- The maximal multi-stage cycle ergometer test provides an accurate and valid method for calculating VO2max in children.
- This approach offers a practical alternative for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in pediatric populations.
- The findings support the use of Wmax-based calculations for estimating VO2max in youth exercise science.
Abstract:
In two experiments maximal aerobic power (VO2max) calculated from maximal mechanical power (Wmax) was evaluated in 39 children aged 9-11 years. A maximal multi-stage cycle ergometer exercise test was used with an increase in work load every 3 min. In the first experiment oxygen consumption was measured in 18 children during each of the prescribed work loads and a correction factor was calculated to estimate VO2max using the equation VO2max = 12.Wmax + 5.weight. An appropriate increase in work rate based on height was determined for boys (0.16 W.cm-1) and girls (0.15 W.cm-1) respectively. In the second experiment 21 children performed a maximal cycle ergometer exercise test twice. In addition to the procedure in the first experiment a similar exercise test was performed, but without measurement of oxygen uptake. Calculated VO2max correlated significantly (p less than 0.01) with those values measured in both boys (r = 0.90) and girls (r = 0.95) respectively, and the standard error of estimation for VO2max (calculated) on VO2max (measured) was less than 3.2%. Two expressions of relative work load (%VO2max and %Wmax) were established and found to be closely correlated. The relative work load in %VO2max could be predicted from the relative work load in %Wmax with an average standard error of 3.8%. The data demonstrate that calculated VO2max based on a maximal multi-stage exercise test provides an accurate and valid estimate of VO2max.