Validity and reliability of a timed 5 km cycle ergometer ride to predict maximum oxygen uptake

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a timed 5 km cycle ergometer ride to predict maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). Fifty-two healthy volunteers had their VO2max determined during a maximal treadmill run. They also performed a timed 5 km cycle ergometer ride. The resistance setting for the cycle ride was set at a rate of 0.5 kg/20 kg body weight. A significant inverse relationship was found between the logarithm of cycle time and VO2max (r = -0.83). Furthermore, the test-retest reliability for the 5 km ride was determined to be r = 0.93 (n = 20). These results suggest that a timed 5 km cycle ergometer ride is a valid and reliable predictor of VO2max. Furthermore, the timed cycle ride offers several methodological advantages which makes it potentially useful in clinical, military, and research settings.