The prediction of maximal oxygen consumption from a submaximal water running test

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to predict maximal oxygen consumption (V02max) from a 6-min water running test. Predictor variables included in a regression model were body fat, height, weight, gender, and heart rate following a 6-min water running test (HRWRT). Subjects included 32 college students (n =19 males, n = 13 females) who completed a graded exercise test on a treadmill to determine V02max, skinfold measurement for body fat, and a 6 min water running test. Based on the coefficient of determination, body fat accounted for 76% of the variance in V02max- No other variables significantly contributed to the explained variance in V02max. These findings suggest that V02max can be predicted from body composition (r = .87) for the population of subjects used in the study.