Prediction of VO2max in Children and Adolescents Using Exercise Testing and Physical Activity Questionnaire Data

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a treadmill walk-jog-run exercise test previously validated in adults and physical activity questionnaire data to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) in boys (n=62) and girls (n=66) aged 12 to 17 years old. Methods: Data were collected from Physical Activity Rating (PA-R) and Perceived Functional Ability (PFA) questionnaires, a walk-jog-run submaximal treadmill exercise test, and a maximal graded exercise test. Results: Regression analysis resulted in the development of 2 models to predict VO(2)max. Submaximal exercise test data were used to build the following model (R-2=.73; SEE=4.59mL+kg(-1)+min(-1)): VO(2)max (mL+kg(-1)+min(-1))=26.890+(5.877xGender; 0=female; 1=male) - (0.782xBody Mass Index [BMI])+(0.438xPFA Score) +(2.712xTreadmill Speed; mph) +(0.746xAge) +(0.449xPA-R Score). Maximal exercise test data were used to build the following model (R-2=.83; SEE=3.63mL+ kg(-1)+min(-1)): VO(2)max (mL+kg(-1)+min(-1))=10.716+(1.334xMaximal Treadmill Grade) +(5.203xTreadmill Speed; mph) +(3.494xGender; 0=female; 1=male) - (0.413xBMI) +(0.249xPFA). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, that regression equations that use both exercise data and physical activity questionnaire data can accurately predict VO(2)max in youth. The submaximal and maximal exercise tests that use self-selected treadmill speeds can be used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness of youth with a wide range of fitness levels.