Validation of a Quick, Submaximal Test of Maximal Oxygen Intake

Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to validate a submaximal treadmill test for prediction of maximal oxygen consumption in fifteen male college students. This objective was accomplished by comparing maximal oxygen intake values recorded during a maximal treadmill test with those predicted from the submaximal test. Comparisons were also made among the between the true and predicted values and those estimated from the Astrand-Rhyming nomogram. Application of the analysis of variance techniques indicated that no significant difference existed between the criterion and the two predictors. The average error of prediction; however, was 8 percent for the submaximal test and 15 percent for the nomogram. The results of the study indicated that the submaximal test yielded a valid estimate of maximal oxygen intake and is more accurate than several of the commonly used submaximal tests. (Author).