Contemporary methods of predicting maximum oxygen uptake: a brief review

• Published in: Hrvatski športskomedicinski vjesnik 2024, Vol.39 (1), p.5-13
• Main Authors: Matković, Andro, Matković, Branka R., Man Kit Ho, Indy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Oxygen consumption, Prediction of VO2max, Exercise testing
• ISSN: 0354-0766; 1848-7742
• DOI: 10.69589/hsv.39.1.1

Cardiorespiratory endurance is one of the most important fitness qualities for all populations including healthy individuals, the elderly, patients with chronic illness, recreational runners, and elite athletes. The uptake of oxygen by body tissues increases by increasing the activity or exercise intensity, also known as oxygen uptake (VO2). When the VO2 has reached the highest point that no additional oxygen can be further consumed by our cells, the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is achieved. In assessing VO2max, sports scientists commonly conduct the direct measure using the incremental graded testing protocol on a treadmill or bike, and such laboratory based VO2max is also regarded as the gold standard. Nevertheless, equipment accessibility and the testing cost as well as the personnel or expertise to be involved are all considered factors that make the test over-complicated and cumbersome. In this regard, the prediction of VO2max using a wide range of methods with acceptable testing accuracy and time cost will be the most feasible alternative. Therefore, the purpose of this brief review is to critically discuss the common types of prediction methods including their practical applications, the reliabilities, validities, and potential limitations of each method. Kardiorespiratorna izdržljivost jedna je od najvažnijih fitness kvaliteta za sve populacije, uključujući zdrave pojedince, starije osobe, pacijente s kroničnim bolestima, rekreativne trkače i vrhunske sportaše. Potrošnja kisika u tjelesnim tkivima povećava se povećanjem aktivnosti ili intenziteta vježbanja, te količina kisika koja se potroši u minuti naziva se primitak kisika (VO2). Najveća količina kisika koju organizam može potrošiti u jednoj minuti naziva se maksimalni primitak kisika (VO2max). U utvrđivanju VO2max-a, sportski znanstvenici obično provode izravno mjerenje pomoću inkrementnog protokola opterećenja na traci ili biciklu, a takav laboratorijski pristup mjerenju VO2max smatra se zlatnim standardom. Ipak, pristupačnost opreme i troškovi ispitivanja, kao i osoblje i stručnost koje treba uključiti, smatraju se sve faktorima koji test čine previše kompliciranim pa i skupim. Vezano uz sve navedeno procjena VO2maxa pomoću širokog raspona metoda s prihvatljivom pouzdanošću najprikladnija je alternativa. Svrha ovog kratkog pregleda je kritička rasprava o uobičajenim metodama procjene, uključujući njihovu praktičnu primjenu, pouzdanost, valjanost i potencijalna ograničenja svake metode.