Predicted Maximum Oxygen Intake (VO₂ max) and Fatigue Index

Abstract

This laboratory report presents the results of two studies involving six participants, three males and three females, with an average age of 27.2 years, average height of 174.8 cm, and average weight of 78.3 kg. The first study focused on predicting the maximum oxygen intake (VO₂ max) and involved an 8-minute treadmill walk at varying speeds and inclinations. The second study examined the fatigue index (FI) during repeated sprint abilities (RSA) involving 10 sprints with a 30-second rest interval. The report discusses the methods of calculation, presents the results, and compares the participants' VO₂ max values and fatigue indices.

Introduction

The primary objective of this study was to determine the predicted maximum oxygen intake (VO₂ max) and the fatigue index (FI) of six participants. VO₂ max is a critical measure of an individual's aerobic fitness and represents the maximum rate at which the body can utilize oxygen during exercise. It is influenced by factors such as age, height, weight, and physical activity level. The FI, on the other hand, is an indicator of an athlete's aerobic endurance, specifically related to their ability to sustain high-intensity efforts during repeated sprints.

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Methods

Predicted VO₂ max Calculation

In the first study, participants performed an 8-minute treadmill walk with specific speed and incline conditions. To calculate their predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax), we used the formula: HRmax = 220 - Age. Subsequently, we determined 50% and 70% of HRmax for each participant. For example, for a 33-year-old male participant, HRmax = 220 - 33 = 187 beats per minute (bpm), and 50% of HRmax = 0.

5 * 187 bpm = 93.5 bpm, while 70% of HRmax = 0.7 * 187 bpm = 130.9 bpm.

During the second 4-minute phase of the treadmill walk, participants walked at a speed of 6.4 km/h with a 5% incline, and their final heart rate (HR) was recorded. Using the recorded values and the following formula, we calculated VO₂ max:

^{VO₂ max = 15.1 (21.8 x Speed in mph) - 0.327 x Final HR - 0.263 x Speed x Age + 0.00504 x HR x Age - 5.98 x Gender (0 for females, 1 for males)}

After applying this formula to all participants, we obtained their individual VO₂ max values in ml/kg/min.

Fatigue Index Calculation

The second study involved participants performing 10 sprints of 20 meters each, with a 30-second rest interval between sprints. To calculate the fatigue index (FI), we followed these steps:

1. Calculate the Total Time (TT) by summing the time taken for each sprint (S1, S2, S3, ...).
2. Calculate the Ideal Time (IT) by taking the best sprint time (Sbest) and multiplying it by the number of sprints (Sn).
3. Use the formula: FI (%) = ((IT - TT) / IT) * 100 to calculate the FI as a percentage.

These calculations were performed for all participants to obtain their respective fatigue indices.

Results

VO₂ max Results

The results of the VO₂ max calculations for each participant are presented in Table 1 below:

Fatigue Index Results

The results of the fatigue index calculations for each participant are presented in Table 2 below:

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Discussion

The results of the VO₂ max calculations indicate significant variability among the participants. This variability can be attributed to factors such as age, gender, and fitness levels. The highest VO₂ max value was observed in Participant 1, a 33-year-old male, with a value of 45.13 ml/kg/min. Further analysis of the data will allow us to explore the impact of these factors on VO₂ max.

In the case of the fatigue index, the results show differences in participants' ability to maintain performance during repeated sprints. Participant 1 had a fatigue index of 20.5%, indicating a relatively low decline in performance during the sprints. Understanding the factors influencing fatigue index can help tailor training programs for improved endurance in high-intensity sports.

Conclusion

This laboratory report conducted two studies on VO₂ max and the fatigue index in six participants. The results revealed variations in VO₂ max values and fatigue indices among the participants. These findings highlight the importance of individualized training programs based on factors such as age, gender, and fitness level to optimize aerobic fitness and endurance. Future research may explore additional variables that contribute to these measures and their impact on athletic performance.