Validity of the Supramaximal Test to Verify Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Children and Adolescents

This study had 2 objectives: (1) to examine whether the validity of the supramaximal verification test for maximal oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2 )max) differs in children and adolescents when stratified for sex, body mass, and cardiorespiratory fitness and (2) to assess sensitivity and specificity of primary and secondary objective criteria from the incremental test to verify (V) over dotO(2) max. Methods: In total, 128 children and adolescents (76 male and 52 females; age: 9.3-17.4 y) performed a ramp incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer followed by a supramaximal test to verify (V) over dotO(2) max. Results: Supramaximal tests verified (V) over dotO(2) max in 88% of participants. Group incremental test peak (V) over dot O-2 was greater than the supramaximal test (2.27 [0.65] L.min(-1) and 2.17 [0.63] L.min(-1) ; P .18). Supramaximal test time to exhaustion predicted supramaximal test (V) over dotO(2) max verification (P = : 04). Primary and secondary objective criteria had insufficient sensitivity (7.1%-24.1%) and specificity (50%-100%) to verify (V) over dotO(2) max. Conclusion: The utility of supramaximal testing to verify (V) over dotO(2) max is not affected by sex, body mass, or cardiorespiratory fitness status. Supramaximal testing should replace secondary objective criteria to verify (V) over dotO(2) max