A regression equation to predict true maximal oxygen consumption of taekwondo athletes using a field test

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity of using a 20 meter multistage shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake.

METHODS: Twenty-two elite taekwondo athletes (11 male, 11 female, members of the Turkish young national team), participated in the study. The respiratory gas exchange parameters were measured using portable gas analysis system while shuttle run test was carried out. All tests were performed last August 2004, in the gymnasium of Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.

RESULTS: Analysis of the test scores showed a mean score on gas analysis of 51.79 ml/kg/min and a mean score of 43.59 ml/kg/min on the shuttle run test. On average, the scores predicted by the shuttle run test were 16% lower than those for the gas analysis score. The correlation between the tests was significant at a level of r = 0.810.

CONCLUSION: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) can be predicted from shuttle run test scores, but not as indicated with the test package. In order to obtain the true score one must apply a regression equation.