title: VO2max Measured with a Self-selected Work Rate Protocol on an Automated Treadmill.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of graded maximal exercise tests for measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is common practice in both cardiopulmonary rehabilitation settings and in sports medicine research. Recent alterations of common testing protocols to allow for self-selected work rates (SPV) have elicited V˙O2max values similar to or higher than more traditional style protocols (TP). Research is lacking in the delivery of the SPV protocol using a treadmill modality. The purpose of the study was to examine the validity of an SPV using an automated treadmill for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen experienced endurance runners completed three maximal exercise tests on a treadmill. Oxygen consumption was measured using a computerized system and averaged more than 30-s time periods. SPV was completed using an automated treadmill that consisted of a sonar range finder, microcontroller, and customized computer software. Subject deviations from the middle of the treadmill belt resulted in rapid, graded increases or decreases in speed. TP was completed on the same treadmill without the use of the automated software. A verification phase protocol (VP) was used to verify if VO2 was maximal.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Peak work rate achieved during SPV was significantly greater than that achieved during TP by 1.2 METs; P < 0.05, d = 0.564. Oxygen consumption was significantly greater in TP (64.9 ± 8.2 mL·kg·min) than SPV (63.4 ± 7.8 mL·kg·min); P < 0.005, d = 0.195.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An automated treadmill allowed for the completion of SPV similar to what has been reported for cycling. SPV with an automated treadmill did not provide a higher VO2max than TP despite higher work rates.
authors: 1Department of Kinesiology and Health, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY; and 2Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
authors: Cory M
authors: CM
authors: Scheadler
authors: Steven T
authors: ST
authors: Devor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D014937:Work; D055815:Young Adult