Abstract des Autors

This study examined the applicability of criteria for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in adolescents. Active females (n=88) and males (n=196) who were students at a sports-technical Junior High School performed a treadmill Bruce protocol to volitional fatigue. The criteria for VO2max were R >/= 1.0, HR >/= 95% of predicted maximal for age, and an increase in VO2 </= 2.1 ml/kg/min with an increase in workload. The first criterion was met by 97% of the females and 93% of the males, while 81% of the females and 75% of the males met the second criterion. Only 8% of the females and 13% of the males met the third criterion. Those who achieved a plateau showed higher HR at peak exercise compared to those who did not (204 +/- 7.0 vs. 200.6 +/- 7.2, P </= 0.05). Our data indicate that a high proportion of adolescents exhibit subjective and objective indicators of maximal performance without showing a plateau in VO2. Age-specific criteria for VO2max should be developed. Verf.-Referat