Is V.O_2peak a Valid Estimation of V.O_2max in Swimmers with Physical Impairments?

Autores da FMUP

• Ricardo João Cruz Correia

  Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

• Feitosa, Wellington G.
• Barbosa, Tiago M.
• Castro, Flavio A. de S.

Unidades de investigação

• Medicina da Comunidade, Informação e Decisão em Saúde

• RISE-Health

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

Abstract

Purpose: Peak and maximal oxygen uptake ( and , respectively) are used in assessing aerobic power. For swimmers with physical impairments, it is unclear whether the physiological variables obtained in 200-m and Nx200-m tests are similar. The objective of this study is to assess the validity of as an estimator of and complementary physiological variables, in particular, carbon dioxide production (), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), minute-ventilation ( and absolute (HR) and relative (%HRmax) heart rates-which were obtained in a time trial test (200-m) and an incremental intermittent test (Nx200-m) performed by swimmers with physical impairments. Methods: Eleven well-trained swimmers with physical impairments performed 200-m all-out and Nx200-m from low to all-out (controlled by a visual pacer), both with a respiratory valve system and a portable gas analyzer. Results: A paired Student's t-test showed no statistical difference (p > .05) for all comparisons. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.97 and 0.98 for in l/min and ml/kg/min, respectively; ICC = 0.75 to 0.9 for (l/min and ml/kg/min), (in l/min) and HR (beats/min); ICC = 0.5 and 0.75 for %HRmax; and ICC < 0.5 for RER. Passing-Bablok regression showed that the dispersions were acceptable, considering the proportionality, except for HR and %HRmax. Bland-Altman method showed a high level of agreement for all variables. Conclusions: The and , as well as the physiological variables and HR obtained, respectively, by 200-m and Nx200-m tests in swimmers with physical impairment were not different.

Keywords

• Validation; time trial test; incremental protocol; Paralympic swimming physiology