A comparison of various methods for the determination of VO2max

Previous studies have shown that true maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) obtained by means of cycle ergometer and step test are lower than the VO2max measured during uphill treadmill running. The predicted VO2max measured by ergometer was even lower. Four different methods for the determination of VO2max within the same group of examinees were compared: True VO2max by treadmill, ergometer, step test, and predicted VO2max (Astrand-Rhyming). This study was performed on 15 healthy non-professional sportsmen. They underwent progressive test protocols on alternating days and the results were as follows -- VO2max expressed in ml O2 kg BW/min (mean +/- SD): treadmill running 63.8 +/- 4.7; ergometer cycling 60.2 +/- 5.6; step test 59.6 +/-5.2 and predicted VO2max 59.9 +/- 6.9. The VO2max as determined by uphill treadmill running was significantly higher than with the other methods. No significant difference was found between true VO2max determined by the ergometer and step test. However, step test and properly executed Astrand-Rhyming test again proved to be reliable and deviate from the treadmill test by only 6%. Maximal heart rate was significantly higher in the treadmill and step tests than in the direct ergometer test.