Maximal oxygen uptake: its measurement, application, and limitations

Maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) was determined by direct measurement in 10 male subjects whilst exercising on a bicycle ergometer, and whilst running uphill on a treadmill at speeds of 10 and 12 km/h. There was no significant difference between VO2 max measured at the two treadmill speeds, but the VO2 max measured on the bicycle was 20% lower than on the treadmill. An estimate of the variance of the treadmill determined VO2 max was obtained from repeated measurements on five subjects. The 95% tolerance interval about a single measurement of VO2 max was +/- 7.8 ml.kg-1.min-11. It is recommended that when indirect methods for determining VO2 max are calibrated against the direct method, the latter should be based upon the treadmill. Reservations are expressed concerning the value of the direct method for determining VO2 max, and of the concept of VO2 max as a measure of physical fitness.