Sports Coach

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VO₂ max from Nonexercise Data

This calculation of VO₂ max using non-exercise data (George 1997)^[1] can provide a reasonable initial estimate of an athlete's Vo2 max. The necessary data to predict an athlete's VO₂ max 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, or 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 estimate the athlete's VO₂ max. The test can be repeated by selecting the "Reset" button.

Your estimated VO₂ max is: ml/kg/min

The standard error of VO₂ max = ± 3.44 ml/kg/min (George 1997)^[1]

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's VO₂ max. with appropriate training between each test.

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 VO₂ max.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strictly the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development. Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. For assessing your VO2 max, see the VO₂ max normative data tables.

Advantages

No equipment is 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

An assistant is required to administer the test.

References

GEORGE, J. D. et al. (1997) Nonexercise VO₂ max estimation for physically active college students. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 29, p.415.

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2001) VO₂ max from Nonexercise Data [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2maxnd.htm [Accessed