Comparison of intensities and rest periods for VO2max verification testing procedures

Abstract

We sought to determine the incidence of 'true' VO2max confirmation with the verification procedure across different protocols. 12 active participants (men n=6, women n=6) performed in random order 4 different maximal graded exercises tests (GXT) and verification bout protocols on 4 separate days. Conditions for the rest period and verification bout intensity were: A - 105% intensity, 20 min rest; B - 105% intensity, 60 min rest; C - 115% intensity, 20 min rest; D - 115% intensity, 60 min rest. VO2max confirmation (difference between peak VO2 GXT and verification trial<±3%) using the verification trial was 12/12 (100%), 12/12 (100%), 8/12 (66.70%), and 7/12 (58.33%) for protocols A, B, C, and D. There was a significant (p<0.05) effect of verification intensity on VO2max confirmation across all exercise test conditions (intensity effect within recovery 20 min (χ(2) (1)=4.800, p<0.05), intensity effect within recovery 60 min (χ(2) (1)=6.316, p<0.05)). No significant effect was found for incidence of VO2max confirmation with different rest periods. We recommend the use of 105% of the maximal GXT workload and 20 min rest periods when using verification trials to confirm VO2max in normally active populations.