Validation and Evaluation of a Lightweight Portable Device for Measuring VO2

• Published in: American Industrial Hygiene Association journal Vol. 56; no. 1; pp. 50 - 54
• Main Authors: Bishop, Phillip A., Lee, Stuart M.C., McBrine, John J., Siconolfi, Steven F., Greenisen, Michael C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fairfax, VA American Industrial Hygiene Association 01.01.1995; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Applied physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Industrial safety; Measuring instruments; Medical sciences; Oxygen uptake; Personal protective equipment; Regression analysis; Studies; Telemetry; Transmitters; Turbines; Validity; Ventilation; United States > US; Measuring instrument; Performance evaluation; Human; Ergonomics; Oxygen consumption; Portable equipment; Reliability
• ISSN: 0002-8894
• DOI: 10.1202/0002-8894(1995)056<0050:VAEOAL>2.0.CO;2

The accuracy and utility of a portable, lightweight, battery-powered telemetry system (PMS) for measuring the oxygen uptake (VO2) of humans was assessed. Ventilation measurements agreed closely with a mechanical calibrator and a reference system (REF). Measures of VO2 were compared in humans between the PMS and a mass-spectrometer based REF over a broad range of VO2s and for 30 minutes at a constant work rate. Drift in VO2 measures was acceptable in relation to time and across the range of VO2s. Using the proposed equation, the PMS VO2s were sufficiently accurate for many research and monitoring applications. The PMS was also highly portable, mechanically reliable, comfortable for the subjects even for prolonged use, and potentially useful in many industrial situations.