Análise da correlação entre o protocolo Polar Fitness Test® para predição de VO2máx e ergoespirometria

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of maximal oxygen consumption ( O 2max ) measurement is justified by its international acceptance as the best physiological parameter to assess the functional capacity of the cardiorespiratory system in both athletes and non-athletes who physically train in order to achieve better health. Objective: To determine the agreement between the Polar Fitness Test® protocols to estimate of O 2max and the maximal exercise test with direct gas measurement. Methods: Seventeen active males (22.5 ± 2 years) participated in the study. At rest, the Polar Fitness Test® protocol by direct gas collection under maximum effort on treadmill and the Bruce protocol were applied. Results: Significant difference in the O 2max estimation was observed between methods. The Polar Fitness Test® protocol underestimated O 2max a mean of 15% (CI 95% : 24;-53%) when compared to the direct protocol. The values obtained by the Polar Fitness Test® did not correlate well with direct measurement in ergospirometer (r = 0.1). Conclusion: The Polar Fitness Test® protocol is not valid to estimate O 2max in physically active young men.