Prediction of VO2max From Submaximal Exercise Using the Smartphone Application Myworkout GO: Validation Study of a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease research
• Exercise physiology
• Digital health technology

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major global risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Wearable devices are popular for monitoring activity and promoting behavior change.
• Accurate measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) variables like maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of the Myworkout GO smartphone application for submaximal prediction of VO2max.
• To assess the usability and tolerance of the app's high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol.

Main Methods:

• 162 healthy participants (58 women, 104 men) underwent three randomized tests.
• Direct VO2max measurement was performed using a Metamax II device on a treadmill.
• The Myworkout GO app predicted VO2max using a standardized 4x4 minute HIIT protocol on a treadmill.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found between directly measured VO2max (mean 49 mL/kg/min) and predicted VO2max (mean 50 mL/kg/min).
• A high correlation (R²=0.97, P<.001) was observed between direct and predicted values, with a standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 2.2 mL/kg/min.
• The app's SEE was 4.5% for the total group, with no significant sex-based differences.

Conclusions:

• The Myworkout GO application provides an accurate and practical method for estimating VO2max.
• The submaximal HIIT protocol was well-tolerated by participants.
• This tool can enhance health risk assessment, potentially increasing physical activity and improving exercise adherence in the general population.