The 20 m~2 VAMEVAL Test: A Reduced Space Approach to Determine the Maximum Oxygen Consumption of Young Cameroonians

摘要

This study aimed at comparing physiological variables measured during a modified 20 m~2 VAMEVAL test with that of its predecessor, the classical VAMEVAL test. Thirty volunteers moderately-trained sport students (14 males, 25.7 ± 3.4 years, and 16 females, 25.0 ± 2.5 years) specialized in running sport disciplines, randomly underwent three maximal oxygen uptake assessment using the classical VAMEVAL test in a 400m track (VAM400), the modified VAMEVAL test in a reduced space of 20 m~2 (VAM20) and, the ergometer test (ERG) as standard test. Results revealed significant differences between the two sexes in the VAM400 and VAM20 over VO_(2max) (P< 0.01), maximal heart rate (P< 0.05) and rating of perceived exertion (P< 0.001). No significant difference was noted in lactatemia (La) during VAM400 and VAM20. VO_(2max) variations of 6.8% in females and 8% in males were recorded when moving from VAM400 to VAM20. The VAM20 test is valid to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness of young Cameroonians in absence of appropriated infrastructures.