Abstract

Introduction: To predict VO2 max it can be used simple means such as body characteristics and lifestyle. Aim: To elaborate an equation to estimate the VO2 max based on body weight, height, lifestyle and cardiovascular variables in college students. Methods: In a sample of 35 men and 35 women of 22.5±1.9 years body weight, height, consumption of alcohol, tobacco and medications, cardiorespiratory variables at rest and VO2 max in a cycle ergometer test until exhaustion was measured. A correlation between variables was determined, which were included in a multivariate equation and the agreement of the model with the Bland-Altman diagram was verified. A significance of p<0.05 was assigned with the SPSS v.20 program. Results: the prediction equation is VO2 max (ml.min-1) =-1268.945 + (1305.94 × Sex [Female = 2, Male = 1]) + (17.868 × Weight) + (1034.204 × Height) + (-97.223 × Medications [YES = 1, NO = 2]) + (3.867 × Systolic blood pressure) + (-5.574 × Resting heart rate [HRr]) (r = 0.892, r2 = 0.795,p<0.001). According to Bland-Altman there are no differences between the equation and the cycle ergometer test (p = 0.644) and no values of VO2 max were outside the limits of agreement. Discussions: the main finding is that weight and stature have the greatest predictive power, along with sex, and the other variables increase it, in addition, it is a pioneering study in Chile. Some research uses body characteristics and lifestyles to predict VO2 max, but only two include smoking, one HR and none blood pressure. Conclusions: Anthropometric, lifestyle and cardiovascular variables predict VO2 max. The predictive model can be used considering the differences between the characteristics of people and between countries.