The validity of the VO2 master pro for assessing VO2max and running economy in trained runners
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Abstract
Purpose: This study assessed agreement between the portable VO₂ Master Pro (VM) and a non‑portable metabolic cart (NP) for measuring VO2max and running economy (RE). Methods: Fourteen endurance‑trained runners (9 female, 5 male; age 24.7 ± 5.0 y) completed four randomized crossover trials: two VO2max tests and two RE sessions using VM or NP. RE consisted of four 5‑min bouts at 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% of personal best 5‑km pace. Agreement was evaluated using paired t‑tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: VM significantly overestimated relative VO2max compared with NP (65.4 ± 7.3 vs 53.5 ± 5.2 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p < .001), with weak reliability (ICC = 0.46), high SEM (2.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), and unacceptable CV (14.1%). Mean bias was 11.9 ± 7.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. Maximal ventilation (VE) showed moderate agreement (ICC = 0.81; CV = 8.3%). Similar trends were observed across all RE intensities, with modest VO₂ agreement (ICC = 0.60–0.72) and stronger VE agreement (ICC = 0.87–0.93). Conclusion: VM substantially overestimates VO₂ and demonstrates poor agreement with NP, limiting its utility as a replacement device. Greater agreement for VE suggests oxygen sensing as a primary source of error.
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