Evaluating the Prediction of Maximal Heart Rate in Children and Adolescents

In this study, we compared measured maximal heart rate (HRmax) to two different HRmax prediction equations [220 - age and 208 0 7(age)] in 52 children ages 7-17 years We determined the relationship of chronological age, maturational age, and resting HR to measured HRmax and assessed seated resting HR and HRmax during a graded exercise test Maturational age was calculated as the maturity offset in years from the estimated age at peak height velocity Measured HRmax was 201 +/- 10 bpm, whereas predicted HRmax ranged front 199 to 208 bpm Measured HRmax and the predicted value from the 208 - 0 7(age) prediction were similar but lower (p < 05) than the 220 age prediction Absolute differences between measured and predicted HRmax were 8 +/- 5 and 10 +/- 8 bpm fat the 208 0 7 (age) and 220- age equations, respectively, and were greater than zero (p < 05) Regression equations using resting HR and maturity offset or chronological age significantly predicted HRmax, although the R(2) < 30 and the standard error of estimation (8 2-8 5) limits the accuracy The 208 0 7(age) equation can closely predict mean HRmax in children, but individual variation is still apparent