Validation of VO_2max Prediction Using International Formulae for Young Saudi Men

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
• International VO2max prediction formulas are widely used but may not be accurate for all populations.
• Limited data exists on VO2max in young, healthy, non-athletic Saudi men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the actual VO2max in young, healthy, non-athletic Saudi men.
• To compare measured VO2max with values predicted by international formulas.
• To identify the most accurate prediction formula for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 88 non-athletic Saudi men (mean age 21.3 years).
• Maximal graded exercise testing with breath-by-breath analysis to determine measured VO2max.
• Comparison of measured VO2max with predictions from Edvardsen, Fairbarns, FRIENDS, Hansen, and Jones formulas.

Main Results:

• The mean measured VO2max was 41.9 ± 7.2 ml/kg/min.
• Most international formulas significantly overestimated VO2max compared to measured values (P < 0.001).
• The Hansen equation showed good agreement with measured VO2max (P = 0.212), with a trivial effect size.

Conclusions:

• Young, healthy, non-athletic Saudi men exhibit lower VO2max than Western populations, potentially due to lifestyle or genetic factors.
• International VO2max prediction formulas generally overestimate values in this population.
• The Hansen equation is recommended as the most reliable predictor of VO2max for young Saudi men in clinical settings.