Validity of maximal oxygen consumption prediction equations in young Saudi females

Objectives: To determine the applicability of Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman predictive equations for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in Saudi females. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between March and May2017. Maximal oxygen consumption was measured directly through the COSMED system for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 102 girls with normal body mass index (19-25 years old). Maximal oxygen consumption was indirectly predicted by Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman equations. Paired t-test, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman plot were used for comparison, correlation, and agreement analysis. Results: The difference between the mean and standard deviation (+/- SD) VO2max values of the direct measurement (27.39 +/- 4.06 ml/kg(-1)/min(-1)), and the Jones (35.19 +/- 2.12 ml/kg(-1)/min(-1)), Hansen (33.64 +/- 0.24 ml/kg(-1)/min(-1)), and Wasserman (35.20 +/- 0.17 ml/kg(-1)/min(-1)) equations, was statistically significant (p<0.001). Bland-Altman plot analysis suggested a lack of agreement between direct and predicted VO2max. Pearson correlation failed to reveal any correlation between direct VO2max and VO2max calculated with any of the 3 equations. Conclusion: Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman equations for prediction of VO2max cannot be justified in the studied population. For the better prediction of VO2max, either these equations should be modified, or a new equation should be developed for the Saudi population.