title: Predicting maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) from the critical velocity test in female collegiate rowers.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the critical velocity (CV) test and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and develop a regression equation to predict VO2max based on the CV test in female collegiate rowers. Thirty-five female (mean ± SD; age, 19.38 ± 1.3 years; height, 170.27 ± 6.07 cm; body mass, 69.58 ± 0.3 1 kg) collegiate rowers performed 2 incremental VO2max tests to volitional exhaustion on a Concept II Model D rowing ergometer to determine VO2max. After a 72-hour rest period, each rower completed 4 time trials at varying distances for the determination of CV and anaerobic rowing capacity (ARC). A positive correlation was observed between CV and absolute VO2max (r = 0.775, p < 0.001) and ARC and absolute VO2max (r = 0.414, p = 0.040). Based on the significant correlation analysis, a linear regression equation was developed to predict the absolute VO2max from CV and ARC (absolute VO2max = 1.579[CV] + 0.008[ARC] - 3.838; standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.192 L·min(-1)). Cross validation analyses were performed using an independent sample of 10 rowers. There was no significant difference between the mean predicted VO2max (3.02 L·min(-1)) and the observed VO2max (3.10 L·min(-1)). The constant error, SEE and validity coefficient (r) were 0.076 L·min(-1), 0.144 L·min(-1), and 0.72, respectively. The total error value was 0.155 L·min(-1). The positive relationship between CV, ARC, and VO2max suggests that the CV test may be a practical alternative to measuring the maximal oxygen uptake in the absence of a metabolic cart. Additional studies are needed to validate the regression equation using a larger sample size and different populations (junior- and senior-level female rowers) and to determine the accuracy of the equation in tracking changes after a training intervention.
authors.affiliation: Metabolic and Body Composition Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Huston Huffman Center, Norman, Oklahoma, USA.
authors.forename: Kristina L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Kendall
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Fukuda
authors.forename: Abbie E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Joel T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Cramer
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Stout
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult