Predicting maximal oxygen uptake from a 3-minute progressive knee-ups and step test

Abstract

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness assessment is crucial for diagnosing health risks and assessing interventions. Direct measurement of maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2 max) yields more objective and accurate results, but it is practical only in a laboratory setting. We therefore investigated whether a 3-min progressive knee-up and step (3MPKS) test can be used to estimate peak oxygen uptake in these settings. Method The data of 166 healthy adult participants were analyzed. We conducted a V̇O2 max test and a subsequent 3MPKS exercise test, in a balanced order, a week later. In a multivariate regression model, sex; age; relative V̇O2 max; body mass index (BMI); body fat percentage (BF); resting heart rate (HR0); and heart rates at the beginning as well as at the first, second, third, and fourth minutes (denoted by HR0, HR1, HR2, HR3, and HR4, respectively) during a step test were used as predictors. Moreover, R2 and standard error of estimate (SEE) were used to evaluate the accuracy of various body composition models in predicting V̇O2max. Results The predicted and actual V̇O2 max values were significantly correlated (BF% model: R2 = 0.624, SEE = 4.982; BMI model: R2 = 0.567, SEE = 5.153). The BF% model yielded more accurate predictions, and the model predictors were sex, age, BF%, HR0, ΔHR3−HR0, and ΔHR3−HR4. Conclusion In our study, involving Taiwanese adults, we constructed and verified a model to predict V̇O2 max, which indicates cardiorespiratory fitness. This model had the predictors sex, age, body composition, and heart rate changes during a step test. Our 3MPKS test has the potential to be widely used in epidemiological research to measure V̇O2 max and other health-related parameters.

Development and Validation of 3 Min Incremental Step-In-Place Test for Predicting Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Home Settings: A Submaximal Exercise Study to Assess Cardiorespiratory Fitness

“…Chung et al (2021) found that the difference between HR at the third minute during the exercise and recovery HR at the first minute post exercise in the 3 min step test had positive correlations with . VO 2max [2]. The results of the present research are consistent with those of previous studies, demonstrating that ∆HR3 − HR4 and .…”

“…Since there is a linear relationship between HR variations before, during, and after exercise and . VO 2max [2,3,6,17,[35][36][37][38], the exercise HR test can improve the prediction of the . VO 2max model.…”

“…Many previous studies of . VO 2max prediction have also found that PBF is a better predictor than BMI [2,40,41]. Therefore, when financial conditions permit, people can consider adopting the PBF models to evaluate their .…”

“…In the past, many scholars have devoted themselves to the analysis of aerobic capacity using the submaximal exercise intensity method [1][2][3]. With the public awareness of physical health increasing under the impact of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), at-home workouts have become a pandemic fitness trend.…”

“…It is also easier to manage and perform in home settings. According to the step-in-place test protocol, the participant lifts the knees to a target height, defined as midway between his/her midpoint of the patella and iliac crest, while standing [2,19]. Currently, the step-in-place test is widely applied in the assessment of aerobic fitness in elderly people (aged 60-94 years), but few studies have examined CRF tests in younger adults.…”