Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy of VO2max prediction models from submaximal loads. Males and females (n = 193, 101M + 82F), divided into 6 age groups from 20 to 49 yr, randomly performed 2 series of tests on 2 different ergometers, 1 week apart. On each ergometer, submaximal exercise bouts 4 min work/1 min rest between 50 to 85 predicted maximal heart rate (P-HRmax = 220-age) were followed by continuous progressive exercise bouts (2 min stages) up to exhaustion to determine VO2max. At sumaximal loads, the treadmill was set at 0 slope and the bicycle ergometer was driven at 60 rpm. VO2 and HR were recorded continuously with an open circuit automatic Beckman MMC and an ECG (CM5 derivation), respectively. For VO2max prediction, only the load close to 85 P-HRmax was used to establish the equation since it was more accurate than any other combination of loads to predict VO2max. Moreover, it was decided to exclude age as a direct prediction variable, since: age does not change with training; age becomes too important compared to real training state indicator such as workload or heart rate; and direct age effect on VO2max is complex and surely not linear between 6 to 49 years-old and different in males and females. On the other hand, age was indirectly considered since it affects the HR corresponding to 85 P-HRmax and the VO2 requirement on the treadmill. The real finding of this study is to decrease the direct and too strong influence of age and to decrease systematic errors in predicting VO2max. Verf.-Referat