THE ACCURACY OF NON-EXERCISE VO2MAX PREDICTION EQUATIONS

This study determined the accuracy of non-exercise VO2max prediction equations with measured maximal oxygen uptake values in long distance runners. Eight male volunteer ULM cross country athletes performed a VO2max test and had their body composition measured utilizing the three site Jackson-Pollock skinfolds equation. The participants completed a modified version of the physical activity rating questionnaire to assess physical activity for the previous month. Activity levels included values for sedentary lifestyle (PA-R = 0) to running 60 miles per week (PA-R = 14). Non-parametric (Spearman''s rho) correlations were used to analyze relationships between measured VO2max values and non-exercise prediction equations. The correlation between measured VO2max values and a multiple regression equation, featuring body mass index and the runners'' physical activity rating (PA-R) was significant (r = .762) at the p < .05 level. Therefore, estimation of aerobic fitness from non-exercise equations is an accurate method for measuring the aerobic fitness of collegiate cross country runners...