| The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction equation
that could be used to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
from a submaximal water running protocol. Thirty-two volunteers (n
=19 males, n = 13 females), ages 18 - 24 years, underwent the following
testing procedures: (a) a 7-site skin fold assessment; (b) a land
VO2max running treadmill test; and (c) a 6 min water running
test. For the water running submaximal protocol, the participants
were fitted with an Aqua Jogger Classic Uni-Sex Belt and a Polar Heart
Rate Monitor; the participants' head, shoulders, hips and feet were
vertically aligned, using a modified running/bicycle motion. A regression
model was used to predict VO2max. The criterion variable,
VO2max, was measured using open-circuit calorimetry utilizing
the Bruce Treadmill Protocol. Predictor variables included in the
model were percent body fat (% BF), height, weight, gender, and heart
rate following a 6 min water running protocol. Percent body fat accounted
for 76% (r = -0.87, SEE = 3.27) of the variance in VO2max.
No other variables significantly contributed to the explained variance
in VO2max. The equation for the estimation of VO2max
is as follows: VO2max ml.kg-1·min-1
= 56.14 - 0.92 (% BF).
KEY
WORDS: Water running, body composition, maximal oxygen uptake,
body fat.
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