Measurement and Interpretation of Maximal Aerobic Power in Children

Abstract

The assessment of maximal aerobic power ( ${\dot{V}O}_2\text{max}$ ) in both children and adults is an invaluable tool for the evaluation of exercise performance capacity and general physical fitness in clinical, athletic, public health, and research applications. The complexity of means and considerations, as well as varying specific aims of ${\dot{V}O}_2\text{max}$ testing, has prevented the formulation of a universally applicable, standard testing protocol, in general, and for children in particular. Numerous tester-controllable factors, such as exercise modality, metabolic measurement system, testing protocol, or data reduction strategies, can affect both the measurement and interpretation of ${\dot{V}O}_2\text{max}$ data. Although the general guiding principles are similar, children differ from adults in several aspects. One notable difference is the frequent absence of a discernible ${\dot{V}O}_2$ plateau in children. Thus, the proper choice of equipment and procedures may be different for children than for adults. It is therefore the aim of this article to highlight the general and pediatric-specific considerations that may affect ${\dot{V}O}_2\text{max}$ measurement and interpretation of results.

Keywords: adolescent; assessment; fitness; guidelines; testing.