Validation of aerosport KB1-C portable metabolic system

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Aerosport KB1-C p ortable metabolic measurement system against the criterion Douglas bag meth od. During cycle ergometry, simultaneous measurements of minute ventilation ((V) over dot (E)), oxygen consumption ((V) over dot (2)), and carbon diox ide production ((V) over dot CO2) were made at rest and at power outputs of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 W. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were o bserved for (V)over dot (E), (V) over dot O (2), and (V) over dot CO2 betwe en the KB1-C and Douglas bag at 100, 150, and 250 W, while the KB1-C was si gnificantly different (P<0.05) from Douglas bag values at rest, 50, and 200 W. R values were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) at 100, 15 0, and 200 W, while no significant differences were observed at rest, 50, a nd 250 W. The fractional concentrations of oxygen (FEO2) and carbon dioxide (FECO2) were not significantly different at 50, 700, 200, and 250 W while values at rest and 150W were significantly different (P<0.05). These findin gs show that the Aerosport KB1-C portable metabolic system is acceptable fo r measuring oxygen uptake in the range of 1.5 and 3.5 L.min(-1), using the medium flow pneumotach setting. At lower intensities, the low-flow pneumota ch setting provides acceptable results.