A Maximal Rowing-Ergometer Protocol to Predict Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Female Rowers

in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

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Oscar B. Mazza Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark

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Søren Gam Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark

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Mikkel E.I. Kolind Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark

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Christian Kiær Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark

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Christina Donstrup Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark

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Kurt Jensen Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark

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Background: Laboratory assessment of maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max ) is physically and mentally draining for the athlete and requires expensive laboratory equipment. Indirect measurement of V ˙ O 2 max could provide a practical alternative to laboratory testing. Purpose: To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7 × 2-minute incremental test (INCR-test) and V ˙ O 2 max and to develop a regression equation to predict V ˙ O 2 max from MPO in female rowers. Methods: Twenty female club and Olympic rowers (development group) performed the INCR-test on a Concept2 rowing ergometer to determine V ˙ O 2 max and MPO. A linear regression analysis was used to develop a prediction of V ˙ O 2 max from MPO. Cross-validation analysis of the prediction equation was performed using an independent sample of 10 female rowers (validation group). Results: A high correlation coefficient (r = .94) was found between MPO and V ˙ O 2 max . The following prediction equation was developed: V ˙ O 2 max (mL·min−1) = 9.58 × MPO (W) + 958. No difference was found between the mean predicted V ˙ O 2 max in the INCR-test (3480 mL·min−1) and the measured V ˙ O 2 max (3530 mL·min−1). The standard error of estimate was 162 mL·min−1, and the percentage standard error of estimate was 4.6%. The prediction model only including MPO, determined during the INCR-test, explained 89% of the variability in V ˙ O 2 max . Conclusion: The INCR-test is a practical and accessible alternative to laboratory testing of V ˙ O 2 max .

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