Prediction Equations for Maximal Aerobic Capacity on Cycle Ergometer for the Spanish Adult Population

Frequently used reference values for clinical exercise testing have been derived from non-random samples and some with poorly defined maximal criteria. Our objective was to obtain population based reference values for peak oxygen uptake (V˙O₂) and work rate (WR) for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a representative sample of Caucasian Spanish men and women.

182 men and women, 20-85 years old, were included and exercised on cycle-ergometer to exhaustion. (V˙O₂) and WR were measured. The equations obtained from this sample were validated in an independent cohort of 69 individuals, randomly sampled form the same population. Then a final equation merging the two cohorts (=251) was produced.

Height, sex and age resulted predictive of both V˙O₂ peak and WR. Weight and physical activity added very little to the accuracy to the equations. The formulas V˙O₂peak=0.017⋅height(cm)-0.023⋅age(years)+0.864⋅sex(female=0/male=1)±179lmin^-1, and peak WR=1.345 · height (cm) - 2.074 · age (years)+76.54 · sex (female=0/male=1)±21.2W were the best compromise between accuracy and parsimony.

This study provides new and accurate V˙O₂ peak and WR rate reference values for individuals of European Spanish descent.