The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a verification test (VT) performed in the field offers more confident results than do traditional criteria in the determination of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Twelve amateur runners (age, 36.6 ± 6.6 years) performed a maximal graded field test and after 15 minutes of passive recovery a supramaximal test to exhaustion at 105% of their velocity associated with VO2max (vVO2max). Traditional criteria and 2 different verification criteria were evaluated. Verification criteria were (a) maximal oxygen uptake achieved in the VT (VO2verif) must be <5% higher than VO2peak, and (b) no significant differences of means between tests. All participants met the first verification criterion although significant differences were found between VO2peak and VO2verif (59.4 ± 5.1 vs. 56.2 ± 4.7 ml/kg/min, p < 0.01). The criteria for the plateau, peak heart rate (HRpeak), maximum respiratory exchange ratio (RERmax), and maximum blood lactate concentration ([La]max) were satisfied by 75, 66, 92, and 66 of the participants, respectively. Kappa coefficients gave a significant and substantial agreement beyond chance between traditional criteria (p < 0.001). Despite the substantial agreement, traditional criteria induced the rejection of participants that might have achieved a true VO2max with HRpeak and [La]max being the more stringent criteria for amateur runners. A verification protocol in the field using the criterion based on individual analysis is recommended.
© Copyright 2014 The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. National Strength & Conditioning Association. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.