Prediction of maximum oxygen consumption from walking, jogging, or running

The purpose of this study was to develop a submaximal, 1.5-mile endurance test for college-aged students using walking, jogging, or running exercise. College students (N = 101:52 men, 47 women), ages 18-26 years, successfully completed the 1.5-mile test twice, and a maximal graded exercise test. Participants were instructed to achieve a somewhat hard exercise intensity (rating of perceived exertion = 13) and maintain a steady pace throughout each 1.5-mile test. Multiple linear regression generated the following prediction equation: VO(2)max = 65.404 + 7.707 x gender (I = male; 0 = female) -0.159 x body mass (kg) -0.843 x elapsed exercise time (min; walking, jogging, or running). This equation shows acceptable validity (R =. 86, SEE = 3.37 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) similar to the accuracy of comparable field tests, and reliability (ICC =. 93) is also comparable to similar models, The statistical shrinkage is minimal (R., = 0,85, SEEpress = 3.51 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)); hence, it should provide comparable results when applied to other similar sampled. A regression model (R 90, and SEE = 2.87 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) including exercise heart rate was also developed: VO(2)max = 100.162 + 7.301 x gender (I male; 0 = female) -0.164 x body mass (kg) -1.273 x elapsed exercise time -0.156 x exercise heart rate, for those who have access to electronic heart rate monitors. This submaximal 1.5-mile test accurately predicts maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) without measuring heart rate and is similar to the 1.5-mile run in that it allows for mass testing and requires only a flat, measured distance and a stopwatch. Further; it can accommodate a wide range of fitness levels (from walkers to runners).