VO2 Max Estimation from Skipping Test for College Age Individuals: Validation of a Sub Maximal Exercise Test for Estimating VO2 Max in College Age Individuals

Abstract

Objective The purpose of the study was to develop a sub maximal exercise test for estimating VO2 max utilizing 3 minutes both leg jump skipping exercise.Methods 35 college level males between the ages 18 to 22 years were recruited as the subjects for test validation. The subjects completed a treadmill test in the LNIPE, Guwahati, India, human performance laboratory to determine the VO2 max. Subjects were performed 3 minutes both leg jump skipping exercise followed by heart rate min response. BMI was assessed and age in years was recorded. The directly measured VO2 max data obtained from treadmill test as the dependent variable and no. of turn in 3 min both leg jump skipping performance, post exercise heart rate min response, BMI, and age in years were the independent variables and were utilized of the multiple regression model.Results The multiple regression equation yielded a predicted equation for estimating VO2 max for male (mlkgmin) = 39.130 (Total no of turn in both leg jump skipping) + .058(H.R) - .029(BMI) - .170(Age). SEE = 1.21, Adjusted R2= .025. On the basis of the predicted equation the predicted VO2 max of the validation group was obtained. Mean VO2 max (direct method) and predicted VO2 max of the validation group were 43.97 ± 1.23 and 44.02 ± 0.312 respectively. The coefficient of correlation between the directly measured VO2 max and predicted VO2 max was found 0.895 which was significant at the 0.01 level. The predicted equation was tested on a cross validation group (N=55). VO2 max was assessed using Queens College Step test. 3 min both leg jump skipping post exercise heart rate, BMI, and age were assessed. Mean observed VO2 max and predicted VO2 max of the cross validation group were 44.07 ± 0.229 and 43.87 ± 0.254 respectively. The coefficient of correlation between the observed VO2 max and predicted VO2 max was found 0.858 which was significant at the 0.01 level that confirmed the reliability and validity of the predicted equation.Conclusion 3 minutes both leg jump skipping provides a valid and reliable sub maximal test for estimating VO2 max in 18 to 22 years old college level male.