Predicting maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O ₂max) from the critical velocity test in female collegiate rowers

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the critical velocity (CV) test and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O ₂max) and develop a regression equation to predict V̇O ₂max based on the CV test in female collegiate rowers. Thirty-five female (mean ± SD; age, 19.38 ± 1.3 years; height, 170.27 ± 6.07 cm; body mass, 69.58 ± 0.3 1 kg) collegiate rowers performed 2 incremental V̇O ₂max tests to volitional exhaustion on a Concept II Model D rowing ergometer to determine V̇O ₂max. After a 72-hour rest period, each rower completed 4 time trials at varying distances for the determination of CV and anaerobic rowing capacity (ARC). A positive correlation was observed between CV and absolute V̇O ₂max (r = 0.775, p < 0.001) and ARC and absolute V̇O ₂max (r = 0.414, p = 0.040). Based on the significant correlation analysis, a linear regression equation was developed to predict the absolute V̇O ₂max from CV and ARC (absolute V̇O ₂max = 1.579[CV] +0.008[ARC] - 3.838; standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.192 L·min ^-1). Cross validation analyses were performed using an independent sample of 10 rowers. There was no significant difference between the mean predicted V̇O ₂max (3.02 L·min ^-1) and the observed V̇O ₂max (3.10 L·min ^-1). The constant error, SEE and validity coefficient (r) were 0.076 L·min ^-1, 0.144 L·min ^-1, and 0.72, respectively. The total error value was 0.155 L·min ^-1. The positive relationship between CV, ARC, and V̇O ₂max suggests that the CV test may be a practical alternative to measuring the maximal oxygen uptake in the absence of a metabolic cart. Additional studies are needed to validate the regression equation using a larger sample size and different populations (junior- and senior-level female rowers) and to determine the accuracy of the equation in tracking changes after a training intervention.