Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is an important factor contributing to running performance. Wearable technology may allow the assessment of VO2peak more frequently and on a larger scale. We aim to i) validate the VO2peak assessed by a smartwatch (Garmin Forerunner 245), and ii) discuss how this parameter may assist to evaluate and guide training procedures. A total of 23 runners (12 female, 11 male; VO2peak: 48.6±6.8 ml·min-1·kg-1) visited the laboratory twice to determine their VO2peak during a treadmill ramp test. Between laboratory visits, participants wore a smartwatch and performed three outdoor runs to obtain VO2peak values provided by the smartwatch. The VO2peak obtained by the criterion measure ranged from 38 to 61 ml·min-1·kg-1. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the smartwatch and the criterion VO2peak was 5.7%. The criterion measure revealed a coefficient of variation of 4.0% over the VO2peak range from 38-61 ml·min-1·kg-1. MAPE between the smartwatch and criterion measure was 7.1, 4.1 and -6.2% when analyzing VO2peak ranging from 39-45 ml·min-1·kg-1, 45-55 ml·min-1·kg-1 or 55-61 ml·min-1·kg-1, respectively.
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