Development of V̇O_2max prediction models from 3-minute walk test

The purpose of the study was to develop new V̇O_2max prediction models for Japanese men using a 3-minute walk test. One hundred and twenty-seven Japanese men aged from 20 to 69 years were recruited as subjects of the present study. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max) was measured with a maximal incremental test on a bicycle ergometer. The prediction models were derived using data of age, 3-minute walking distance (3MWD), and either BMI, waist circumference (WC), or %Fat. This data was cross-validated by using PRESS cross-validation procedures. 3MWD was significantly related to V̇O_2max (r=0.54, P<0.001). The multiple correlation coefficients for the BMI, WC, and %Fat models, respectively, were 0.81, 0.82, and 0.85. The standard error of estimate (SEE) was 4.5, 4.4, and 4.1 ml'kg ^-1 min^-1 , respectively, for the BMI, WC, and %Fat models. All regression models demonstrated a high level of cross-validity supported by the minor shrinkage of the coefficient of determination and increment of SEE in the PRESS procedure. This study demonstrated that 3MWD was useful for predicting V̇O_2max accurately using V̇O_2max prediction models for Japanese men. The new non-exercise prediction equations derived in this study are applicable to estimating V̇O_2max in Japanese adult men.