The validity of a one-stage submaximal treadmill protocol to estimate maximal oxygen uptake in overweight males and females

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the Ebbeling one-stage submaximal treadmill protocol to estimate maximal oxygen uptake in overweight males and females. Forty-five male and females (36.5±10.9 years; 170.2±9.9 cm; 77.9±9.0 kg) were categorized into overweight groups using a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2. The subjects performed a submaximal protocol that consisted of one 4-minute stage with individualized speeds of 2.0-4.5 mph at 5% grade and subsequently performed a maximal exercise test. There were significant relationships between observed and estimated VO2max for males (r=.796), females (r=.426), and gender combined (r=.844). There was an underestimation in the estimation of VO2max in the present study when comparing males (10%), females (26%) and gender combined (17%) subjects. The results indicated that a body mass index between the values of 25-29.9 kg/m2 did create a difference in estimating VO2max in the present study when comparing that to Ebbeling et al. (1991).Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306