NON-EXERCISE VO2MAX ESTIMATION FOR PHYSICALLY ACTIVE COLLEGE-STUDENTS

This study sought to develop a maximal oxygen consumption (V over dotO (2max)) regression model derived strictly from self-reported non-exerc ise (N-EX) predictor variables. The V over dotO(2max) (mean +/- SD; 44 .05 +/- 6.6 ml . kg(-1). min(-1)) of 100 physically active college stu dents (50 females, 50 males), aged 18 to 29 yr, was measured using a t readmill protocol and open circuit calorimetry. Questionnaire-based pr edictor variables used in the N-EX regression model included (a) the s ubject's perceived functional ability (PFA) to walk, jog, or run given distances, (b) habitual physical activity (PA-R) data, (c) body mass index (BMI), and (d) gender. BMI (kg . m(-2)) was computed from self-r eported body weight in pounds and self-reported body height in feet an d inches. The questionnaire-based N-EX regression model (R = 0.85, SEE = 3.44 ml . kg(-1). min(-1)) developed in this study exceeded the acc uracy of previously developed N-EX regression models and is comparable to many exercise-based regression models in the literature. Cross-val idation using PRESS (predicted residual sum of squares) statistics dem onstrated minimal shrinkage (R = 0.84, SEE = 3.60 ml . kg(-1). min(-1) ) of the present regression model. The PFA data were useful in explain ing observed V over dotO(2max) variance (squared partial r(2) = 0.155, P < 0.0001) and enhanced the ability of the N-EX regression model to accurately predict criterion V over dotO(2max). These results suggest that a questionnaire-based N-EX regression model provides a valid and convenient method for predicting V over dotO(2max) in physically activ e college students.