[Maximum power (max W) and index of 2d minute recovery. Correlations with maximal oxygen consumption (max VO2)]

The maximum O2 intake (max VO2) is the best test in order to describe a subject's physical capacity. It is difficult to measure directly. The Astrand normogram gives an indirect and approximate measurement. Two more exact methods are suggested: the maximum developed power in Kg (W/Kg) and the second minute recovery index (iR2) = (formula; see text) where fc2 is the cardiac frequency two minutes after exertion. The correlation is r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001) between max VO2 and W/Kg. The correlation is r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001) between max VO2 and iR2. The iR2 can be determined for a sub-maximal performance at 80 per cent of the maximum and has a high correlation with the max VO2. The max VO2 can thus be determined by these two methods which appear to be the most reliable of the regular tests of physical capacity.