Measuring and predicting maximal aerobic power in international-level intermittent sport athletes

摘要

Aim. The purpose of this study was to measure actual VO_(2max) during the multi-stage fitness test (MSFT) and to compare this with predicted values obtained using previously established, commonly used methods. We also wanted to determine a new and more accurate regression equation for the prediction of VO_(2max) in intermittent sport athletes. Methods. Twenty-six, elite, male, intermittent sport athletes performed the MSFT with oxygen uptake (VO_2) and heart rate (HR) measured throughout. Paired t-tests were used to compare measured VO_(2max) with predicted VO_(2max). Linear regression was used to determine the equation for the prediction of VO_(2max) from the total number of shuttles completed. Results. There were no differences between the two methods of predicting VO_(2max), however, both predicted values (53.6±3.9 and 51.3±4 mL·kg~(-1)·min~(-1)) were significantly lower (9.3% and 13.2%, respectively) than measured VO_(2max) (59.1±6.6 mL·kg~(-1) ·min~(-1), P < 0.001). Correlations between measured and predicted VO_(2max) were similar for both prediction methods (r=0.61, P=0.013 and r=0.68 and P=0.004). We present a new prediction equation [Y (VO_(2max), mL·kg~(-1)·min~(-1))=0.38 x total number of shuttles completed +25.98] (where R=0.69; R~2=0.48; SEE=4.9 mL·kg~(-1)·min~(-1); SEE%=8.3) which provides a more valid method of predicting actual max in intermittent sport athletes. Conclusions. A new regression equation to predict VO_(2max) in intermittent sport athletes has been established. Whilst some error in predicting VO_(2max) still exists, the new equation will pro- This study was presented orally at the Sport and Exercise Science New vide coaches and sport-scientists with a more suitable equation with which to predict VO_(2max) in intermittent sport athletes.