Abstract

To eliminate the discomfort, motivation and the hazards associated with maximal effort, a method of estimating VO2max from a submaximal test ist needed. VO2max was measured in 474 males age 10-39, classified into 5-year age groups. Subjects walked at 3 mph 3 grade for 3 min, thereafter the grade was increased 3 each 3 minutes with speed constant until reaching the volitional level of exhaustion. VO2max was predicted from submaximal heart rate (HR) and measured VO2 using the Astrand-Rhyming nomogram, the method described by Maritz et al., and the procedure of Margaria. VO2max tends to be overpredicted in age group 15-39 by the method of Astrand-Rhyming and underpredicted by the methods of Maritz and Margaria. All methods overpredict for age 10-14. In each age group the method of Maritz consistently provides the smallest standard error of prediction although these are still quite large, ranging from .28 to .39 l/min. Correlation coefficients between measured VO2max and VO2max predicted by these three methods range from .54 to .84 with the method of Maritz consistently providing the highest values. It was conducted that in an unselected male population the predicting of VO2max from submaximal measures of HR and VO2 by the methods described provide a reasonably accurate estimate of the mean VO2max for a group; however, estimates for individuals are subject to large errors. Verf.-Referat