Estimation of maximum oxygen uptake from submaximal exercise on a Concept II rowing ergometer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a submaximal test, on the Concept II rowing ergometer, to estimate the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of male rowers and non‐rowers. Eleven rowers and 14 non‐rowers completed a submaximal and a maximal rowing test. The submaximal test consisted of exercising for 6 min at five different incremental speeds with at least 6 min recovery between each speed. Speed, heart rate and oxygen uptake were monitored during the last minute of each increment. In the maximal test, the subjects were asked to row for 6 min at a speed calculated to elicit 105% of their predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax). The HRmax was predicted from 220 beats min∼'‐age. Actual HRmax was recorded and the highest value of oxygen uptake measured was regarded as the subject's PO2 max. An analysis of covariance revealed that the data collected for rowers and non‐rowers had to be considered separately. The greatest differences were seen for the submaximal speed‐£D2 relationship, which showed that the rowers were more efficient on the ergometer than the non‐rowers. Measured HRmax was found to average 9 beats min‐1 below the predicted HRmax. The measured FO2 max values for the whole group averaged 4.16 ± 0.64 1 min‐1 (x ± S.D.). A nomogram was developed to predict VO2 max. At an exercise intensity of 80–90% HRmax, the average estimated VO2 max, using predicted HRmax calculated from 220 beats min” ‘‐age, was 4.34 + 0.7 1 min‐1. Using measured values of HRmax, the average estimated PO2 max was found to be 4.06 + 0.6 1 min‐1, which reduced the mean error of the estimate from 4.3 to 2.4%. This study shows that rowing PO2 max can be estimated from a submaximal exercise test, with a mean error of the estimate of less than 5% provided that the exercise intensity of the test is approximately 80–90%