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Estimation of VO2max from a one-mile track walk, gender, age, and body weight
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to explore an alternative field test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using a one-mile walk test. VO2max was determined in 343 healthy adult (males = 165, females = 178) subjects 30 to 69 yr using a treadmill protocol (mean +/- SD: VO2max = 37.0 +/- 10.7 ml X kg-1 X min-1). Each subject performed a minimum of two, one-mile track walks as fast as possible. The two fastest walks (T1, T2) with elapsed times within 30 s were used for subsequent analyses. Heart rates were monitored continuously and recorded every one-quarter mile. Multiple regression analysis (best sub-sets) to estimate VO2max (l X min-1) yielded the following predictor variables: track walk-1 time (T1); fourth quarter heart rate for track walk-1 (HR 1-4); age (yr); weight (lb); and sex (1 = male, 0 = female). The best equation (N = 174) was: VO2max = 6.9652 + (0.0091*WT) - (0.0257*AGE) + (0.5955*SEX) - (0.2240*T1) - (0.0115*HR1-4); r = 0.93, SEE = 0.325 l X min-1. Comparing observed and estimated VO2max values in a cross-validation group (N = 169) resulted in r = 0.92, SEE = 0.355 l X min-1. Generalized and sex-specific equations to estimate VO2max (ml X kg-1 X min-1) were also generated. The accuracy of estimation as expressed by SEE was similar among the equations. The results indicate that this one-mile walk test protocol provides a valid sub-maximum assessment for VO2max estimation.
... Alternatively, submaximal testing protocols, although inferior to maximal exercise tests, may be used clinically depending on the objective of the intervention. The common submaximal test protocols, such as the onemile track walk (Kline et al., 1987) or the single-stage submaximal treadmill walking test (Ebbeling et al., 1991), involve walking either on a flat track or on a treadmill. Hitherto, no studies have assessed submaximal testing while hiking on outdoor uphill terrain. ...
... Data from participants who performed both laboratory and field testing were used for the statistical analyses. To ensure maximum exertion during the treadmill test, participants who achieved at least 2 of the following 4 criteria were included in the analysis: 1) maximal Borg value (Borg max ) ≥ 18; 2) respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ≥ 1.1; 3) maximal HR (HR max ) ≥ 85 % of the age-predicted HR max (using the equation: 220-age); 4) levelling-off oxygen consumption despite an increasing workload, increase in O 2 ≤ 150 mL⋅min − 1 (Kline et al., 1987;Hi et al., 2021). V˙O 2peak , the highest value of V˙O 2 attained upon the maximal incremental walking test, was classified as V˙O 2max . ...
... Oja et al. (Oja et al., 1991) showed, that walking is an appropriate exercise method for cardiorespiratory fitness estimation. The population of the present study was older than in comparable studies (Kline et al., 1987;Oja et al., 1991;Cao et al., 2013). With a correlation coefficient of r = 0.80 (standard error of estimate (SEE) = 4.2 mL⋅min − 1 ⋅kg − 1 ) between the predicted and measured V˙O 2max , the present project is in line with previous studies ( predictive model achieved similar or even better predictive power (Oja et al., 1991;Cao et al., Feb 2013;Peterson et al., 2003). ...
Maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), the gold standard measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), supports cardiovascular risk assessment and is mainly assessed during maximal spiroergometry. However, for field use, submaximal exercise tests might be appropriate and feasible. There have been no studies attempting a submaximal test protocol involving uphill hiking. This study aimed to develop and validate a 1-km cardio-trekking test (CTT) controlled by heart rate monitoring and Borg’s 6–20 rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale to predict V̇O2max outdoors. Healthy participants performed a maximal incremental treadmill walking laboratory test and a submaximal 1-km CTT on mountain trails in Austria and Germany, and V̇O2max was assessed with a portable spirometry device. Borg’s RPE scale was used to control the exercise intensity of the CTT. All subjects wore a chest strap to measure heart rate (HR). A total of 134 participants (median age: 56.0 years [IQR: 51.8–63.0], 43.3 % males) completed both testing protocols. The prediction model is based on age, gender, smoking status, weight, mean HR, altitude difference, duration, and the interaction between age and duration (R² = 0.65, adj. R² = 0.63). Leave-one-out cross-validation revealed small shrinkage in predictive accuracy (R² = 0.59) compared to the original model. Submaximal exercise testing using uphill hiking allows for practical estimation of V̇O2max in healthy adults. This method may allow people to engage in physical activity while monitoring their CRF to avert unnecessary cardiovascular events.
... 2 The necessity of an indirect V O 2peak estimation using population-specific equations has led to the development of several submaximal field and laboratory walking protocols. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Although these tests are considered submaximal, they are characterized by several common elements. They require walking as fast as possible for a given distance or covering as much ground as possible in a given amount of time. ...
... They require walking as fast as possible for a given distance or covering as much ground as possible in a given amount of time. [8][9][10]15 These features can influence their adaptability in the functional evaluation of more physically impaired patients, increasing the risk of bias. To address these Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the moderate 1-km treadmill walking test (1km-TWT) to predict changes in peak oxygen uptake (V O 2peak ) in patients with stable cardiovascular disease (CVD) during an exercise-based secondary prevention program. ...
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the moderate 1-km treadmill walking test (1km-TWT) to predict changes in peak oxygen uptake (V˙ O2peak) in patients with stable cardiovascular disease (CVD) during an exercise-based secondary prevention program.
Methods:
Sixty-four male outpatients with stable CVD (age 64 [41-85] yr) performed the 1km-TWT before and after an 8-wk walking training program. Patient V˙ O2peak was estimated using a sex-specific equation including age, body mass index, 1km-TWT performance time, and heart rate (V˙ O2peakEST). Forty-one patients completed a maximal cardiopulmonary treadmill test (CPX) for direct V˙ O2peak determination (V˙ O2peakMEAS). The training prescription consisted of moderate-to-high intensity supervised walking for 30-40 min/session, and an additional 2-4 times/wk of unsupervised home moderate walking sessions between 20-60 min at the end of the program. The walking intensity was based on the results of the 1km-TWT.
Results:
Patients participated in an average of 14 of the 16 supervised sessions. An overall significant improvement in V˙ O2peakMEAS and weekly recreational physical activity levels were observed. No differences were observed between V˙ O2peakMEAS and V˙ O2peakEST. Compared with CPX results, the 1km-TWT underestimated the V˙ O2peak increase after the exercise intervention (mean difference -0.3 mL/kg/min, P > .05).
Conclusions:
The 1km-TWT provides a reasonably accurate and simple tool to predict changes in V˙ O2peak due to moderate walking training in male outpatients with CVD. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of the 1km-TWT for exercise testing and training purposes in the context of cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs.
... Approaches to estimating CRF have ranged from submaximal cycle or treadmill tests, walking tests, field tests, and the application of clinical and demographic data that is readily available from clinical records or questionnaires at the time of an encounter. Many early studies in this area relied on field tests, and while these studies reported reasonable associations with measured peak VO 2 (the highest value of VO 2 attained during an incremental exercise test) from an exercise test [42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49], they are impractical to apply in large populations or as widely used public health tools. Moreover, field, or submaximal tests are generally not more accurate than the use of non-exercise data available at the time of an encounter [1,[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49]. ...
... Many early studies in this area relied on field tests, and while these studies reported reasonable associations with measured peak VO 2 (the highest value of VO 2 attained during an incremental exercise test) from an exercise test [42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49], they are impractical to apply in large populations or as widely used public health tools. Moreover, field, or submaximal tests are generally not more accurate than the use of non-exercise data available at the time of an encounter [1,[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49]. The most appropriate method to estimate CRF from non-exercise data will undoubtedly differ depending upon the context in which CRF is applied and the sample being studied. ...
The evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) predicts morbidity and mortality independent of commonly obtained risk factors is beyond dispute. Observations establishing that the addition of CRF to algorithms for estimating cardiovascular disease risk reinforces the clinical utility of CRF. Evidence suggesting that non-exercise estimations of CRF are associated with all-cause mortality provides an opportunity to obtain estimates of CRF in a cost-effective manner. Together with the observation that CRF is substantially improved in response to exercise consistent with guideline recommendations underscores the position that CRF should be included as a routine measure across all health care settings. Here we provide a brief overview of the evidence in support of this position.
... Although they are easy to perform, the accuracy of the indirect method in estimating VO 2 max remains controversial. Thus, more variables such as basic parameters (age, sex, BMI) [34] and exercise indicators (maximal heart rate, speed, and covered distance) [35,36] were utilized in discrepant equations for more accuracy in subsequent studies. For instance, Marsh [37] found a 4-stage incremental running program estimating VO 2 max well (standard error of estimate=3.98-4.08 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; r=0.642-0.646). ...
Background
Cardiorespiratory fitness plays an important role in coping with hypoxic stress at high altitudes. However, the association of cardiorespiratory fitness with the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS) has not yet been evaluated. Wearable technology devices provide a feasible assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness, which is quantifiable as maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and may contribute to AMS prediction.
Objective
We aimed to determine the validity of VO2max estimated by the smartwatch test (SWT), which can be self-administered, in order to overcome the limitations of clinical VO2max measurements. We also aimed to evaluate the performance of a VO2max-SWT–based model in predicting susceptibility to AMS.
Methods
Both SWT and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were performed for VO2max measurements in 46 healthy participants at low altitude (300 m) and in 41 of them at high altitude (3900 m). The characteristics of the red blood cells and hemoglobin levels in all the participants were analyzed by routine blood examination before the exercise tests. The Bland-Altman method was used for bias and precision assessment. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the correlation between AMS and the candidate variables. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of VO2max in predicting AMS.
ResultsVO2max decreased after acute high altitude exposure, as measured by CPET (25.20 [SD 6.46] vs 30.17 [SD 5.01] at low altitude; P
... CRF was assessed using the Rockport 1-Mile Test and estimated the maximal aerobic capacity (VO 2max ) using the standard equation reported by Kline et al. (Kline et al., 1987). ...
Lifestyle interventions have positive neuroprotective effects in aging. However, there are still open questions about how changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) contribute to cognitive improvements. The Projecte Moviment is a 12-weeks randomized controlled trial of a multimodal data acquisition protocol that investigated the effects of aerobic exercise (AE), computerized cognitive training (CCT), and their combination (COMB). An initial list of 109 participants was recruited from which a total of 82 participants (62% female; age = 58.38 ± 5.47) finished the intervention with a level of adherence > 80%. We report intervention-related changes in rsFC, and their potential role as mediators of cognitive benefits. For the AE group, we revealed a limited network of 11 connections showing an increased rsFC that involved mainly the anterior default mode network (aDMN), the posterior default mode network (pDMN : left middle temporal gyrus, and right precuneus), and a decreased rsFC that involved the pDMN (left fusiform gyrus (pDMN), right middle temporal gyrus (pDMN), left and right precentral gyrus), the hippocampus, bilateral supplementary motor areas, and the right thalamus. For the CCT group, we untangled a limited network of 6 connections as a combination of increased and decreased rsFC between brain areas located mainly in the aDMN and pDMN. In the COMB group, we revealed an extended network of 33 connections that involved an increased and decreased rsFC within and between the aDMN/pDMN and a reduced rsFC between the bilateral supplementary motor areas and the right thalamus. No global and especially local rsFC changes due to any intervention mediated the cognitive benefits detected in the AE and COMB groups. Projecte Moviment provides evidence of the clinical relevance of lifestyle interventions and the potential benefits when combining them.
... Para avaliar a aptidão cardiorrespiratória foi realizado o Teste da Milha, que consiste em caminhar rapidamente 1.609 metros e pode ser utilizado por pessoas sedentárias ou idosas, de ambos os sexos (19,20). O teste foi realizado na pista de atletismo da ESEF/UPE, no período matutino com supervisão do pesquisador. ...
Introdução: Níveis adequados de aptidão física promovem benefícios à saúde e contribuem para a prevenção da diabetes evitando seu desenvolvimento ou agravamento de complicações e, também, a manutenção e melhora da capacidade funcional, inclusive na população diabética da diabetes. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de quatro meses de um programa de treinamento físico sobre a aptidão física relacionada à saúde e sobre a glicemia de mulheres diabéticas do tipo 2. Métodos: Estudo de correlação. Amostra foi não probabilística por conveniência. Participaram oito mulheres com DM2, com média de idade de 62,8±10,2 anos de idade. O programa de treinamento consistiu em exercícios aeróbicos (dança), flexibilidade e exercícios de força. A intervenção teve duração de quatro meses e os componentes da aptidão física (flexibilidade, força, composição corporal e aptidão cardiorrespiratória) foram avaliados antes e após a intervenção; a monitorização da glicemia foi realizada antes e após cada sessão de treino.Resultados: As variáveis que apresentaram resultados estatisticamente significativos foram glicemia capilar (Pré-intervenção = 157,2±29,2 mg/dL vs Pós-intervenção = 117,1±19,5 mg/dL; p= 0,01) e força do membro superior direito (Pré-intervenção =18,2±4,0 kgf vs Pós-intervenção =18,7±4,1 kgf; p=0,03). Houve correlação significativa de flexibilidade do quadril (FQ) com glicemia capilar (r=-0,90; p=0,001). Conclusão: A correlação de FQ com glicemia capilar indica que o controle glicêmico pode ter atenuado o processo de glicação, o qual interferiu positivamente nos níveis de flexibilidade.
... All tests were performed at the hospital and timed using a stopwatch. Participants' VO2MAX was calculated according to age, sex, and body mass-specific equations detailed elsewhere [12]. Heart rate was measured before and immediately after the tests with a heart rate telemeter (Xtrainer Plus; Polar Electro OY, Kempele, Finland), and the recovery heart rate was measured one minute after finishing. ...
Background:
Physical fitness (PF) is an expression of the physiological functioning of multiple body components. PF is an important prognostic factor in terms of cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality. PF has been related to some biomarkers in the general population but not in breast cancer survivors (BCS).
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of PF on biomarkers potentially related to physical activity (PA) in a sample of BCS.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study. A total of 84 BCS (mean age 54) who had finished their treatment were recruited. Different components of PF were evaluated, namely body composition (anthropometry), cardiorespiratory fitness (one-mile walk test), muscular (handgrip and sit-to-stand timed test), and motor (gait speed) components. Sexual hormones, inflammation, and insulin resistance biomarkers were measured.
Results:
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) was associated with every component of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory fitness (p-value = 0.002), muscular (sit-to-stand timed test, p-value = 0.002) and motor (gait speed, p-value = 0.004) components, and body composition (body mass index, p-value = 0.003; waist, p-value < 0.000; and waist-to-hip index, p-value = 0.012). CRP also was associated with "poor physical condition," a constructed variable that encompasses all components of physical fitness (p-value < 0.001). Insulin was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and gait speed (p-values = 0.002 and 0.024, respectively). Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 was negatively associated with waist perimeter and waist-to-hip ratio.
Conclusions:
CRP can also be considered an indicator of poor PF in BCS.
Implications for cancer survivors:
in case of elevation of CRP indicating cardiovascular risk, health professionals should recommend lifestyle changes to improve BCS physical condition.
(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there is a direct correlation between the physical fitness of the general population, specifically students, and the response times to fire-emergency-related building evacuations and to identify which physical fitness factors more significantly influenced emergency movement times. (2) Methods: In this quantitative investigation, 21 students (both men and women of the same age) volunteered to participate. We first evaluated their physical fitness; then, we analyzed their reaction times and speed. (3) Results: The results of this study revealed a relationship between emergency response times and evaluations of muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscle power, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. The physically active group demonstrated a stronger initial response (i.e., a shorter time to reach a safe location) to fictitious emergency scenarios. The reduction in the necessary response time did not, however, appear to be related to the degree of flexibility. (4) Conclusions: This study showed how physical fitness might alter initial emergency response times and lessen the effects of a disaster on the general population.
Background: Obesity is considered a multisystem disease associated with higher mortality and morbidity in adults. This study explored the effects of two Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and the gene expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in adults with obesity.
Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 36 obese, inactive subjects (age: 45.16 ± 3.13 yrs.; mean, BW: 112.38 ± 20.1 kg, Height: 1.67 ± 0.07, and BMI: 39.66 ± 6.07 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: HIIT: (n = 12), MICT (n = 12), and control (n = 12). Both exercise groups received 40 min of training per session (three times/week) for eight weeks. Body composition, body fat percentage (BFP), VO2max, and the gene expression of ACE2, and NLRP3, were taken pre- and post-intervention using the qRT-PCR technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS software via parametric (ANOVA and ANCOVA) and non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis).
Results: Our results showed that HIIT and MICT protocols could be effective in normalizing body composition measurements and VO2max, but HIIT could reduce body fat percentage (BFP) in obese subjects. Moreover, HIIT and MICT could significantly reduce the gene expression of NLRP3 (p < 0.0001) and ACE2 (p < 0.0001), while increasing the gene expression of FNDC5 (p < 0.0001). There were negative correlations between the gene expression of FNDC5 and NLRP3, as well as ACE2. Furthermore, increased FNDC5 was negatively correlated with BFP (r = 0.392, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Overall, our results indicated that HIIT and MICT protocols had the greatest impact on the gene expression of NLRP3, ACE2, and FNDC5.
Objectives:
One of the consequences of old age is cognitive and physical decline, which can cause a wide range of problems. These complications are more pronounced in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of combined exercise training on blood biomarkers, physical fitness and cognitive function in elderly women with T2D.
Methods:
Twenty-one elderly women with T2D were randomly allocated to training (n=12) and control (n=9) groups. The exercise training program was a combination of aerobic, resistance and balance exercises performed 3 times per week over 12 weeks. In the same period, the control group received no training intervention. Blood markers, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), lower and upper body strength and cognitive function, were measured in all participants at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Results:
Serum BDNF levels were not significantly different between the exercise and control groups at 12 weeks (p>0.05). FBS and A1C levels in the exercise group decreased significantly compared with the control group (p<0.05). CRF, dynamic balance and both upper and lower body strength in the exercise group improved significantly compared with the control group (p<0.05). Irisin levels decreased significantly in the control group, but levels did not change significantly in the exercise group. Greater improvements from exercise were observed on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment index compared with the control group (p=0.05), but no other group differences in cognitive function were noted.
Conclusions:
Combined exercise improved some physical fitness and diabetes-related surrogate factors as well as select cognitive functions, but had no significant effect on cognition-related biochemical factors (i.e. BDNF) in women with T2D.
The relationship between individual differences in a steady pace endurance running test and maximal oxygen intake (l/min; ml/kg/min, ml/kg LBW/min) was determined in 25 college men. In the running test subjects attempted to maintain an initial running speed of 10 mph (4.89 yd/sec) for 10 min as they were paced around a 440 yd track. Running performance was scored as running time between consecutive sections of the track, and an endurance score was calculated as the cumulated distance run during each minute. Max VO2 (ml/kg/min) correlated r = 0.61 with cumulative distance after 5 min of running. Validity correlations were only slightly increased by including minutes 8 to 10. Expressing max VO2 in either l/min or ml/kg LBW/min did not improve the correlation. Percent drop off in running speed from the initial pace averaged 16% at minute 5 and 31% at minute 10. Body weight and % body fat were inversely correlated with 10 min of cumulative performance (r = 0.33 and 0.43, respectively). At least 4 min of running was required to predict the 10 min cumulative performance criterion (r = 0.81; S(y.x) = 13.2 yd); a 5 min run raised the correlation to r = 0.87 (S(y.x) = 11.1 yd. Individual differences in min by min endurance performance were substantial throughout the run. The results suggest that a performance measure of running endurance, where all individuals begin running at 10 mph and attempt to maintain this speed for 10 min, should be continued for at least 5 min to achieve moderate validity.
When used with normally distributed groups of subjects simple regression techniques, such as the Astrand Rhyming Test and 12 Min Run which are based upon the rectilinear relationship of heart rate to VO2 or the relationship between physical working capacity and maximal oxygen intake, seem to differentiate fairly well among varying levels of cardio respiratory fitness. If, however, volunteer subjects are tested with these instruments, the predictive validity may tend to fall in relation to the homogeneity of the group. Since these tests probably measure different aspects of cardio respiratory fitness, it seemed reasonable to utilize multiple regression analysis to improve upon the predictions of the simple regression modes. It was the problem of this investigation to compare the prediction of maximal oxygen intake with simple and with multiple regression models in young volunteer subjects. The subjects were 40 volunteer male college students, 18 to 23 yr of age. Each subject performed the Balke Treadmill Test of physical working capacity, at the end of which one min air samples were collected and analyzed for V(E) with a dry gas meter and for percent CO2 and O2 with a Micro Scholander apparatus. The Astrand Rhyming Test and 12 Min Run were administered approximately one wk apart. The data were analyzed with a computer program that performed a stepwise linear regression. Max VO2 ranged from 2.40 to 4.05 l/min (mean 3.39). The simple regression model predicting Max VO2 from that predicted by the Astrand Rhyming Nomogram yielded a correlation coefficient of r = 0.64. The best multiple prediction equation, Max VO2 = 1.466 + Age (0.005) - Height (0.118) + Weight (0.014) + Diast (0.007) + Leg Length (0.099) + 12 Min Run (0.232) + Astrand (0.345), yielded a coefficient of R = 0.814. Stepwise multiple regression analysis appears to improve the prediction of Max VO2 in homogeneous volunteer subjects.
The validity of estimating maximum oxygen uptake from AAHPER Youth Fitness Test items was determined utilizing 87 adult subjects. Multiple correlations were obtained utilizing the motor fitness items as independent variables. Three dependent variables were investigated for relationship to the independent variables (gross O2 uptake, O2 uptake/kg body wt., O2 uptake/kg lean body wt.). The multiple correlation of the AAHPER items with O2 uptake/kg body wt. (0.760) was higher than with the other two variables. It was determined by multiple regression techniques that a subset of four of the independent variables could be used to get an estimate of O2 uptake/kg body wt. with an associated standard error of ± 12 percent of the estimated values. This was compared with the standard errors of more complicated estimation methods.
The estimation of maximal oxygen consumption (max Vo2) from a simple submaximal test has been of interest for many years, especially for middle-aged men. The object of the present study was to compare the prediction of max Vo2 obtained by simple regression with that obtained by stepwise multiple regression. The subjects, 13 middle-aged men, were exercised on a bicycle ergometer to max Vo2 (P < 0.10) as determined by the Haldane-Douglas bag method. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, expired volume, expired CO2 and O2 were determined. The multiple regression equation predicted max better than the simple regression equation because several of the cardiovascular and respiratory variables are significant predictors and do not contain identical information. For middle-aged men, the multiple regression equation provided a correlation with max Vo2 that was significantly superior to that obtained by simple regression. This suggests that fallibility may be reduced in the prediction of max Vo2 by relying on more than a single cardiovascular or respiratory variable in the prediction equation.
The purpose of this study was to compare the Queens College (QC), Skubic-Hodgkins (S-H), Modified OSU (ModOSU), and Witten Step Tests on their ability to account for V̇O2(max), and change in V̇O2max in a group of female college students. 34 female students were originally tested on the 4 step tests and a test of V̇O2max, trained for 6 weeks, and re-evaluated on the same tests. The QC and S-H step tests were most highly related to V̇O2max (r=-0.61 and 0.57, respectively) at the pre-test. All correlations, except S-H, increased at the post-test with the QC, S-H, and Witten all having about the same moderate relationship to V̇O2-max. Significant changes (p<0.01) in the anticipated direction occurred for all tests as a result of training. Correlations using the different methods were utilized to determine if change in step test performance could account for change in V̇O2max. It was determined that absolute changes in step test scores were not meaningfully related to changes in V.O2max. It was further concluded that the VQC test is the preferred step test when attempting to obtain a general idea of a person's aerobic capacity.