OBJECTIVE:
To develop and validate mathematical models for predicting VO2 peak in children and adolescents, through the use of the 9-minute run/walk field test.
METHODS:
211 school children were assessed, aged from 7 to 12 years old, of both sexes, enrolled in two schools in the municipality of Londrina-PR. 141 of the school children were separated for the development sample, and 70 for validation of the equations developed. The measurements evaluated were: body weight, height, skinfold thickness (triceps and subscapular), and biological maturation. The 9-minute run/walk field tests were performed on a running track, and direct analysis of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak in mL/kg/min) was performed in a laboratory with a portable gas analyzer, through an incremental test on a treadmill. The development of the equations was performed by linear regression analysis, using the stepwise method, and the validation was performed by specific mathematical tests, taking into account a level of significance of 5% for all the analyzes.
RESULTS:
The general equation for the total sample was VO2peak = 24.506 +16.672 (maturation, 0=pre and 1= pubertal and post) - 0.346 (Σ SF)+ 5.187 (sexes, 0=F and 1=M) + 0.009 (distance), which showed r=0.742 and SEE=9.149 mL/kg/min and its validation showed r=0.570, ICC=0.68, limits of agreement of -1.4mL/kg/min, SEE=8.39mL/kg/min and CV=21.94%.
CONCLUSION:
It is concluded that the generalized equation developed provides a valid estimate of VO2peak in children and adolescents aged from 7 to 12 years.
oxygen consumption; youth; regression analysis
