A Maximal Rowing Ergometer Protocol to Predict Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Female Rowers

Background: Laboratory assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (V ̇O2max) is physically and mentally draining for the athlete and requires expensive laboratory equipment.Indirect measurement of V ̇O2max could provide a practical alternative to laboratory testing.Purpose: To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7x2 min incremental test (INCR-test) and V ̇O2max and to develop a regression equation to predict V ̇O2max from MPO in female rowers.Methods: 20 female club and Olympic rowers (development group) performed the INCR-test on a Concept2 rowing ergometer to determine V ̇O2max and MPO.A linear regression analysis was used to develop a prediction of V ̇O2max from MPO. Cross validation analysis of the prediction equation was performed using an independent sample of 10 female rowers (validation group).Results: A high correlation coefficient (r=0.94) was found between MPO and V ̇O2max.The following prediction equation was developed: V ̇O2max (mL•min -1 ) = 9.58*MPO (W) + 958.No difference was found between the mean predicted V ̇O2max in the INCR-test (3480 mL•min -1 ) and the measured V ̇O2max (3530 mL•min -1 ).Standard error of estimate was 162 mL•min -1 and %SEE was 4.6%.The prediction model only including MPO, determined during the INCR-test, explained 89% of the variability in V ̇O2max.Conclusion: The INCR-test is a practical and accessible alternative to laboratory testing of V ̇O2max.