Cross-validation of non-exercise predictions of VO2peak in women

The purpose of this investigation was to cross-validate non-exercise (N-Ex %fat and N-Ex BMI) models for predicting VO2peak in females, and to evaluate the validity of these models in estimating fitness status, based on a < 9 METs cardiovascular fitness/health-risk criterion. Subjects were 165 females who completed the PA-R activity scale and were evaluated for VO2peak and body composition. The cross-validation statistics for the N-Ex %fat and N-Ex BMI models were: ryy' = 0.86, E = 6.3 (ml.kg-1.min-1), and ryy' = 0.81, E = 6.9 (ml.kg-1.min-1), respectively. Both models were found to accurately identify 87% of the subjects with VO2peak < 9 METs. The statistics associated with the < 9 MET criterion were: ryy' = 0.73, E = 3.4 (ml.kg-1.min-1), and ryy' = 0.80, E = 4.5 (ml.kg-1.min-1), for N-Ex %fat and N-Ex BMI, respectively. The N-Ex models yielded values similar to those reported previously (Jackson, A. S., S. N. Blair, M. T. Mahar, L. T. Wier, R. M. Ross, and J. E. Stuteville. Prediction of functional aerobic capacity without exercise testing. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 22:863-870, 1990). When exercise testing is not an option, the present N-Ex models provide an alternative method for predicting VO2peak in females.