PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Neder, JA
AU  - Nery, LE
AU  - Castelo, A
AU  - Andreoni, S
AU  - Lerario, MC
AU  - Sachs, A
AU  - Silva, AC
AU  - Whipp, BJ
TI  - Prediction of metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses to maximum cycle ergometry: a randomised study
DP  - 1999 Dec 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 1304--1313
VI  - 14
IP  - 6
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/14/6/1304.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/14/6/1304.full
SO  - Eur Respir J1999 Dec 01; 14
AB  - All of the most widely-cited studies for the prediction of maximum exercise responses have utilized either volunteers or referred subjects. Therefore, selection bias, with overestimation of the reference values, is a likely consequence. In order to establish a set of predictive equations for the gas exchange, ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to maximum ramp-incremental cycle ergometry, this study prospectively evaluated 120 sedentary individuals (60 males, 60 females, aged 20-80), randomly-selected from >8,000 subjects. Regular physical activity pattern by questionnaire, body composition by anthropometry and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (n = 75) and knee strength by isokinetic dynamometry were also assessed. Previously reported equations typically overestimated the subjects' peak oxygen uptake (p<0.05). Prediction linear equations for the main variables of clinical interest were established by backward stepwise regression analysis including: sex, age, knee extensor peak torque, bone-free lean leg mass, total and lean body mass, height, and physical activity scores. Reference intervals (95% confidence limits) were calculated: some of these values differed markedly from those formerly recommended. The results therefore might provide a more appropriate frame of reference for interpretation of the responses to symptom-limited ramp incremental cycle ergometry in sedentary subjects; i.e. those usually referred for clinical cardiopulmonary exercise tests.