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VO2max from Nonexercise Data

This calculation of VO2max using non-exercise data (George 1997)[1] can provide a useful initial estimate of an athlete's Vo2max. The data required to predict an athlete's VO2max is Gender, Weight, Height, Physical Activity Rating and Perceived Functional Ability for one and three miles.

Required Resources

  • Pen and Paper
  • Weighing Scales
  • Tape measure
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • Assistant  to measure and record the athlete’s  weight (kg) and height (metres)
Gender

Weight in Kilograms

Kilograms
Height in Metres

Metres
  • Athlete to complete the “Physical Activity Rating” assessment, the “Perceived Functional Ability for 1 mile” assessment and the “Perceived Functional Ability for 3 miles” assessment (see below)

Physical Activity Rating

In the following table please select the appropriate "radio button" that indicates the overall physical activity in the past six months.

 Inactive: avoid walking or exertion

Light activity: walk for pleasure

Moderate activity: 10 to 60 minutes/week of moderate activity

Moderate activity: over 1 hour/week of moderate activity

Vigorous activity: spend less than 30 minutes/week in an activity such as running, swimming, rowing

Vigorous activity: spend 30 to 60 minutes/week in physical activity

Vigorous activity: run 5 to 10 miles/week or spend 1 to 3 hours/week in physical activity

Vigorous activity: run 10 to 15 miles/week or spend 3 to 6 hours/ week in physical activity

Vigorous activity: run 15 to 20 miles/week or spend 6 to 7 hours/week in physical activity

Vigorous activity: run 20 to 25 miles/week or spend 7 to 8 hours/week in physical activity

Vigorous activity: run over 25 miles/week or spend over 8 hours/week in physical activity

Perceived Functional Ability

In the following table please select the appropriate "radio button" that indicates your perceived ability to complete one mile without becoming breathless or over fatigued.

 Walk at 18 minute/mile pace or more

Walk at 17 minute/mile pace

Walk at 16 minute/mile pace

Walk at 15 minute/mile pace

Walk at 14 minute/mile pace

Walk at 13 minute/mile pace

Jog at 12 minute/mile pace

Jog at 11 minute/mile pace

Jog at 10 minute/mile pace

Jog at 9 minute/mile pace

Jog at 8 minute/mile pace

Run at 7 minute/mile pace

Run at less than 7 minute/mile pace

In the following table please select the appropriate "radio button" that indicates your perceived ability to complete three miles without becoming breathless or over fatigued.

 I could walk the 3 miles at 18 minute/mile pace or more

I could walk the 3 miles at 17 minute/mile pace

I could walk the 3 miles at 16 minute/mile pace

I could walk the 3 miles at 15 minute/mile pace

I could walk the 3 miles at 14 minute/mile pace

I could walk the 3 miles at 13 minute/mile pace

I could jog the 3 miles at 12 minute/mile pace

I could jog the 3 miles at 11 minute/mile pace

I could jog the 3 miles at 10 minute/mile pace

I could jog the 3 miles at 9 minute/mile pace

I could jog the 3 miles at 8 minute/mile pace

I could run the 3 miles at 7 minute/mile pace

I could run the 3 miles at less than 7 minute/mile pace

Assessment

Select the "Analyse" Button to obtain and estimate of the athlete's VO2max. The test can be repeated by selecting the "Reset" button.

Your estimated VO2max is : ml/kg/min

The standard error of VO2max = ± 3.44 ml/kg/min (George 1997)[1]

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's VO2max.

Target Group

This test is suitable for endurance athletes and players of endurance sports (e.g. football, rugby) but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated. The test result will be most accurate for athletes aged 18 to 29, but older athletes can still use this test to monitor gains in fitness and obtain an estimate for their VO2max.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development. For an assessment of your Vo2max see the VO2max normative data tables.

Advantages

  • No equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • More than one athlete can conduct the test at the same time
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

  1. GEORGE, J. D. et al. (1997) Nonexercise VO2max estimation for physically active college students. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 29, p.415

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2001) VO2max from Nonexercise Data [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2maxnd.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: