Modality determines VO sub(2max) achieved in self-paced exercise tests: validation with the Bruce protocol

• Published in: European journal of applied physiology Vol. 116; no. 7; pp. 1313 - 1319
• Main Authors: Hanson, Nicholas J, Scheadler, Cory M, Lee, Taylor L, Neuenfeldt, Noah C, Michael, Timothy J, Miller, Michael G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2016
• ISSN: 1439-6319; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3384-0

The Bruce protocol is traditionally used to assess maximal cardiorespiratory fitness (VO sub(2max)), but may have limitations, such as an unknown duration and large work rate increases. The use of self-paced VO sub(2max) tests (SPVs) may be beneficial if they are able to elicit similar maximal values in a set period of time. In addition, differences in modality between SPVs have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to compare SPVs, utilizing two different modes, with the Bruce (treadmill) protocol. Thirteen healthy, recreationally active individuals (eight men, five women) volunteered and participated in three different laboratory visits with each utilizing a different VO sub(2max) testing protocol. The first visit consisted of the Bruce protocol test, and the remaining visits entailed a maximal SPV on a treadmill (TM SPV) and a cycle ergometer (CE SPV). There were no differences in VO sub(2max) values between the TM SPV and the Bruce protocol tests (55.6 plus or minus 4.9 vs. 56.2 plus or minus 6.8, respectively; p = .510). As expected, the CE SPV (48.3 plus or minus 7.6) was significantly lower than the other two tests (p < .001). The TM SPV was as effective in eliciting an accurate VO sub(2max) as the Bruce protocol and did so with less incline and in less time suggesting that there are no changes in the limits of VO sub(2max) even when the test is self-paced and perceptually regulated.