Maximal oxygen uptake in children: factors of variation and available norms

Aerobic physical fitness, in children, is assessed by measurement of the ma ximal oxygen consumption during exercise testing. Representative norms of t he studied population are required for interpretation. The aim of this arti cle is to specify and review the available VO2max norms and factors of vari ation, including: sex, anthropometric characteristics (height, lean bode, m ass and weight) and physical activity level. Ideally, VO2max norms should i nclude lean body mass and physical activity with an allometric equation. Si nce such norms do not exist today, interpretation remains difficult. In Fra nce, the must satisfactory norms for non trained children include bodymass without an allometric equation (boys: 47 +/- 2 ml.mn.(-1)kg(-1), girls: 40 +/- 3 ml.mn.(-1)kg(-1) with a post puberty, decrease). Further studies on V O2max norms that include lean body mass and a physical activity questionnai re are required to improve exercise test interpretation in children.