Kurt Jensen

Background : Laboratory assessment of maximal oxygen uptake ( ) is physically and mentally draining for the athlete and requires expensive laboratory equipment. Indirect measurement of could provide a practical alternative to laboratory testing. Purpose : To examine the relationship between the maximal power output (MPO) in an individualized 7 × 2-minute incremental test (INCR-test) and and to develop a regression equation to predict from MPO in female rowers. Methods : Twenty female club and Olympic rowers (development group) performed the INCR-test on a Concept2 rowing ergometer to determine and MPO. A linear regression analysis was used to develop a prediction of from MPO. Cross-validation analysis of the prediction equation was performed using an independent sample of 10 female rowers (validation group). Results : A high correlation coefficient ( r = .94) was found between MPO and . The following prediction equation was developed: (mL·min −1 ) = 9.58 × MPO (W) + 958. No difference was found between the mean predicted in the INCR-test (3480 mL·min −1 ) and the measured (3530 mL·min −1 ). The standard error of estimate was 162 mL·min −1 , and the percentage standard error of estimate was 4.6%. The prediction model only including MPO, determined during the INCR-test, explained 89% of the variability in . Conclusion : The INCR-test is a practical and accessible alternative to laboratory testing of .