Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake in boys, ages 7-15 years

Predictions of Vo2max (1 min-1 and ml kg-1 min-1) were obtained via multiple regression procedures from a sample of 100 boys, ages 6.7-14.8 years. Prediction equations for Vo2max (1 min-1) were obtained from the subjects' height, and the Vo2 (1 min-1) and heart rate observed during the third min of a treadmill walk (R = 0.95; CV = +/- 9.3%). A similar prediction was obtained when the subjects' age, height and weight were used (R = -0.94; CV = +/- 9.7%). Vo2max (ml kg-1 min-1) was predicted with similar accuracy (CV = +/- 8.4%) from age, and heart rate, VCO2(1 min-1), Vo2 (ml kg min-1), or from simply age, height and weight (CV = +/- 9.2%). Cross-validation of the equations with another sample of 39 boys demonstrated that the prediction equations based on laboratory data were quite stable, % errors approximately 1-2 +/- 9%. However, the equations based on age, height and weight underestimated the Vo2max slightly, both in 1 min (X = -0.091 min) and ml kg min (X = -2.2 ml kg min, P less than 0.05). The results indicate that reasonably reliable and accurate estimates of Vo2max for children may be obtained from either laboratory data, or simply from their age, height and weight.