Regression Equations to Predict VO2 Max in Untrained Boys and Junior Sprinters of Kolkata

The purpose of the study was to validate the applicability of the 20-m multi stage shuttle run test (20-m MST) in untrained boys and junior sprinters of Kolkata, India. 35 sedentary boys from different schools and 25 sprinters from different sports academies (age range 13 ~ 16 yr.) were recruited for the study. Direct estimation of VO2 max comprised treadmill exercise followed by expired gas analysis by scholander micro-gas analyzer whereas VO2 max was indirectly predicted by 20-m MST. In case of sedentary boys, the difference between the mean (+/-SD) VO2 max values of direct measurement (VO2 max = 42.99 +/- 5.16 ml/kg/min) and 20-m multi stage shuttle run test (SPVO2 max = 42.69 +/- 5.06 ml/kg/min) was statistically significant (p<0.01). In case of sprinters, the difference between the mean (+/-SD) VO2 max values of direct measurement (VO2 max =52.31 +/- 3.04 ml/kg/min) and 20-m multi stage shuttle run test (SPVO2 max = 51.97 +/- 2.92 ml/kg/min) was also statistically significant (p<0.01). Although, for both the cases of sedentary boys and junior sprinters, limits of agreement analysis suggest that 20-m MST may be applied in the studied populations for estimation of maximum oxygen uptake. For better prediction of VO2 max in the studied populations, new equations have been computed based on present data