Predictions of maximum oxygen uptake from treadmill walking and running.

The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) could be accurately predicted with the Astrand-Ryhming (AR) method in conjunction with equations reported by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that estimate the oxygen cost of submaximal walking and running. Fifty-three subjects (28 males and 25 females) performed three treadmill tests to determine VO2 max and heart rate and oxygen costs of submaximal walking and running. The results indicated that when ACSM estimates of the oxygen cost of walking and running were used with the AR method, reasonably accurate predictions of VO2 max were obtained for the present group of subjects. Correlations between actual and predicted VO2 max values of r = 0.82 and r = 0.86 and standard errors of estimate 0.47 and 0.53 L.min-1 were determined for treadmill walking and running, respectively. These errors are similar to others reported using the AR method with different exercise modes.