Prediction of (V) over dotO(2max) from a new field test based on portable indirect calorimetry

Abstract

We assessed the validity and reliability of the new 15 m square shuttle run test (SST) for predicting laboratory treadmill test (TT) maximal oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2max)) compared to the 20 in multistage shuttle run test (MST) in 45 adult males. Thirty participants performed a TT and a SST once to develop a (V) over dotO(2max) prediction model. The remaining 15 participants performed the 77 and MST once and the SST twice for cross-validation purposes. Throughout testing (V) over dotO(2max) was determined via portable indirect calorimetry while blood lactate concentration was assessed at the fifth recovery minute. Comparisons of TT (V) over dotO(2max) (51.3 +/- 3.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) with SST measured (51.2 +/- 3.2 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and predicted (50.9 +/- 3.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) (V) over dotO(2max) showed no differences while TT blood lactate was higher compared to SST (10.3 +/- 1.7 mmol vs. 9.7 +/- 1.7 mmol, respectively). In contrast, MST measured (53.4 +/- 3.5 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and predicted (57.0 +/- 4.5 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) (V) over dotO(2max) and blood lactate (11.2 +/- 2.0 mmol) were significantly higher compared to TT. No test-retest differences were detected for SST measured and predicted (V) over dotO(2max) and blood lactate. It is concluded that the SST is a highly valid and reliable predictive test for (V) over dotO(2max). (C) 2009 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.