title: Modality determines VO2max achieved in self-paced exercise tests: validation with the Bruce protocol.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Bruce protocol is traditionally used to assess maximal cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), but may have limitations, such as an unknown duration and large work rate increases. The use of self-paced VO2max tests (SPVs) may be beneficial if they are able to elicit similar maximal values in a set period of time. In addition, differences in modality between SPVs have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to compare SPVs, utilizing two different modes, with the Bruce (treadmill) protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen healthy, recreationally active individuals (eight men, five women) volunteered and participated in three different laboratory visits with each utilizing a different VO2max testing protocol. The first visit consisted of the Bruce protocol test, and the remaining visits entailed a maximal SPV on a treadmill (TM SPV) and a cycle ergometer (CE SPV).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences in VO2max values between the TM SPV and the Bruce protocol tests (55.6 ± 4.9 vs. 56.2 ± 6.8, respectively; p = .510). As expected, the CE SPV (48.3 ± 7.6) was significantly lower than the other two tests (p < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TM SPV was as effective in eliciting an accurate VO2max as the Bruce protocol and did so with less incline and in less time suggesting that there are no changes in the limits of VO2max even when the test is self-paced and perceptually regulated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. njhanson@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Hanson
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Health, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky, USA.
authors.forename: Cory M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Scheadler
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Taylor L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Noah C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Neuenfeldt
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cycle ergometer; Endpoint; PRET; Rating of perceived exertion; SPV; Self-paced; Teleoanticipation; Treadmill