Predicting Maximal Oxygen Uptake Using the 3-Minute All-Out Test in High-Intensity Functional Training Athletes

Authors

Holli Rosas
Joshua Dexheimer
Shane J. Brinson
Robert W. Pettitt
Todd Schroeder
Brandon J. Sawyer
Edward Jo, Cal Poly PomonaFollow

Abstract

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and critical speed (CS) are key fatigue-related measurements that demonstrate a relationship to one another and are indicative of athletic endurance performance. This is especially true for those that participate in competitive fitness events. However, the accessibility to a metabolic analyzer to accurately measure VO_2max is expensive and time intensive, whereas CS may be measured in the field using a 3 minute all-out test (3MT). PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between VO_2max and CS in high-intensity functional training (HIFT) athletes. METHODS: Twenty-five male and female (age: 27.6 ± 4.5 years; height: 174.5 ± 18.3 cm; weight: 77.4 ± 14.8 kg; body fat: 15.7 ± 6.5%) HIFT athletes performed a 3MT as well as a graded exercise test with 48 h between measurements. True VO_2max was determined using a square-wave supramaximal verification phase and CS was measured as the average speed of the last 30 s of the 3MT. RESULTS: A statistically significant and positive correlation was observed between relative VO_2max and CS values (r = 0.819, p < 0.001). Based on the significant correlation, a linear regression analysis was completed, including sex, in order to develop a VO_2max prediction equation (VO_2max (mL/kg/min) = 8.449(CS) + 4.387(F = 0, M = 1) + 14.683; standard error of the estimate = 3.34 mL/kg/min). Observed (47.71 ± 6.54 mL/kg/min) and predicted (47.71 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min) VO_2max values were compared using a dependent t-test and no significant difference was displayed between the observed and predicted values (p = 1.000). The typical error, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient were 2.26 mL/kg/min, 4.90%, and 0.864, respectively. CONCLUSION: The positive and significant relationship between VO_2max and CS suggests that the 3MT may be a practical alternative to predicting maximal oxygen uptake when time and access to a metabolic analyzer is limited.

Recommended Citation

Rosas, Holli; Dexheimer, Joshua; Brinson, Shane J.; Pettitt, Robert W.; Schroeder, Todd; Sawyer, Brandon J.; and Jo, Edward (2022) "Predicting Maximal Oxygen Uptake Using the 3-Minute All-Out Test in High-Intensity Functional Training Athletes," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 2, Article 78.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss2/78