Measurement of a True [Formula: see text]O_2max during a Ramp Incremental Test Is Not Confirmed by a Verification...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment

Background:

• The accuracy of ramp incremental (RI) tests for determining maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) has been debated.
• A verification phase has been proposed as a gold standard to confirm VO2max attainment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare oxygen uptake (VO2) during an RI test with that obtained during a subsequent verification phase.
• To evaluate if a verification phase is necessary for accurate VO2max determination in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-one healthy males (younger and older) performed an RI test.
• Following a 5-min recovery, participants completed a constant-load verification phase at 85% or 105% of peak power output.
• Oxygen uptake was measured during both the RI test and the verification phase.

Main Results:

• Highest VO2 values from the RI test (39.8 ± 11.5 mL·kg−1·min−1) and verification phase (40.1 ± 11.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) were not significantly different (p = 0.33).
• A high correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.01) was observed between VO2max from both methods, with minimal bias (-0.25 mL·kg−1·min−1) and good precision (±1.56 mL·kg−1·min−1).
• Age and verification phase intensity did not affect the results.

Conclusions:

• A verification phase does not reveal underestimation of VO2max from RI tests in healthy younger and older men.
• The addition of a verification phase does not provide additional validation for VO2max determination.
• Current recommendations for a verification phase as a gold standard for VO2max assessment are not supported by these findings.