Development and Validation of a PACER Prediction Equation for VO₂peak in 10- to 15-Year-Old Youth

Previous progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) equations were developed to estimate peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) from data collected during treadmill running. No equation has been developed using VO₂peak assessed during the PACER. To develop and validate a prediction equation to estimate VO₂peak from the PACER in 10- to 15-year-olds. A sample of 163 youth were recruited to develop (n = 101) and validate (n = 62) a prediction equation. VO₂peak was measured using a portable metabolic unit. Regression analysis yielded a prediction equation that included laps, body mass index, and interaction between sex and age. Correlations and repeated-measures analysis of variances were used to compare the measured and estimated VO₂peak from the new Scott et al equation and 2 commonly used FitnessGram™ (Mahar et al 2011 and Mahar et al 2018) equations, and the impact of sex on predicted VO₂peak. Predicted VO₂peak from the Mahar et al 2011 and 2018 equations was significantly lower compared with measured values, and the Scott et al prediction was not different. The Mahar et al 2018 equation tended to overestimate VO₂peak in males but worked well for females. The Mahar et al 2011 and Scott et al equations revealed no sex differences. The Scott et al equation resulted in a more accurate estimate of VO₂peak, performing equally well for both sexes.