The Cosmed K4 telemetry system as an accurate device for oxygen uptake measurements during exercise

The purpose of this study was to test the accuracy of oxygen uptake (VO2) measurements using the Cosmed K4 portable telemetry system. This system of higher technology than the original Cosmed K2 device, contains a CO2 electrode allowing measurements alternatively by either the Cosmed K4 system (K4) or the CPX Medical Graphics (CPX) during a maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) ergocycle test, at rest and during several submaximal exercises (25, 50 and 75% of maximal work rate) in seven subjects. Heart rate values were comparable for exercise at the same work stage during gas collection using the two systems, indicating that the physiological stresses were similar. The VO2 values did not significantly differ at rest (4.40+/-0.83 vs 4.16+/-0.58ml x min(-1) x kg[-1]), at 25% Wmax (20.97+/-1.31 vs 21.32+/-2.54 ml x min(-1) x kg[-1]), at 50% Wmax (33.32+/-3.92 vs 33.50+/-3.51 ml x min(-1) x kg[-1]), at 75% Wmax (47.01+/-7.51 vs 47.49+/-7.11 ml x min(-1) kg[-1]) and at maximal intensities (62.07+/-8.48 vs 62.84+/-11.31 ml x min(-1) kg[-1]) using K4 and CPX devices, respectively. The results of this study indicated that the K4 system was accurate for all oxygen uptake measurements from rest to maximum exercise levels.