title: The efficacy of a self-paced VO2max test during motorized treadmill exercise.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the utility of a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test (SPV) in eliciting an accurate measure of VO2max in comparison with a traditional graded exercise test (GXT) during motorized treadmill exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional experimental study whereby recreationally trained men (n = 13, 25.5 ± 4.6 y) completed 2 maximal exercise tests (SPV, GXT) separated by a 72-h recovery period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The GXT was continuous and incremental, with prescribed 1-km/h increases every 2 min until the attainment of VO2max. The SPV consisted of 5 × 2-min stages of incremental exercise, which were self-selected and adjusted according to 5 prescribed RPE levels (RPE 11, 13, 15, 17, and 20).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although no significant differences in VO2max were observed between the SPV and GXT (63.9 ± 3.3 cf 60.9 ± 4.6 mL · kg-1 · min-1, respectively, P > .05), the apparent 4.7% mean difference may be practically important. The 95% limits-of-agreement analysis was 3.03 ± 11.49 mL · kg-1 · min-1. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, the GXT may underestimate measured VO2max as ascertained by the SPV by up to 19%. Conversely, the SPV could underestimate the GXT by 14%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current study has shown that the SPV is an accurate measure of VO2max during exercise on a motorized treadmill and may provide a slightly higher VO2max value than that obtained from a traditional GXT. The higher VO2max during the SPV may be important when prescribing training or monitoring athlete progression.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport & Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Faulkner
authors.forename: Alexis R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Mauger
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Woolley
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lambrick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D055815:Young Adult