A systematic review of methods to predict maximal oxygen uptake from submaximal, open circuit spirometry in healthy adults

Overall, submaximal exercise-based equations using open circuit spirometry to predict V˙O2max are moderately to highly accurate. The heart rate and rating of perceived exertion methods of predicting V˙O2max were of similar accuracy. Important factors to consider when selecting a predictive equation include: the level of exertion required; participant medical conditions or medications; the validation population; mode of ergometry; time and resources available for familiarisation trials; and the level of bias of the study from which equations are derived.