Abstract

Objectives; the aim of this study was evaluate the association between a predictive test of maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) and performance in a national competition in Chilean Cross-Country athletes. Methods; 18 athletes participated. The V̇O2max was measured with ergospirometer test (ET), and was estimated with the Cooper and Klissouras test. V̇O2max was compared between the three methods and were correlated to the competition performance. The SPSS v.22 program was used (p<0.05). Results; there were differences in the V̇O2max between the three methods [F (2. 53) = 14.147; p<0,001)], between the ET with the Klissouras test (p<0.001), but no with the Cooper test (p=0.355). The V̇O2max in the Cooper test was the best correlation with the competition (r = - 0.908; p<0.001). Discussion; some studies have found no differences between the direct measurement of V̇O2max on the treadmill and athletic track test. However, there are inverse correlations between an incremental treadmill test V̇O2max and a field test, where when performing less time on the running track there was a higher oxygen consumption in the laboratory. Conclusions; it is concluded that, Cooper's test is the best related to competition, so it could predict performance.