Çabuk, Refik, Alp, Egemen, Murias, Juan Manuel and Karsten, Bettina ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7336-9472 (2026) Verification trials can create the illusion of V̇O2max in addition to contributing to its confirmation. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine and Science In Sports, 36 (2):e70226. ISSN 0905-7188 (Print), 1600-0838 (Online) (doi:10.1111/sms.70226)

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Abstract

This study examined whether constant-workload verification trials performed at intensities below, at, and above the ramp-incremental peak power output (PPO) contribute to confirming maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). Fifteen trained to well-trained male cyclists (V̇O2max: 63.6 ± 5.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed maximal ramp testing followed by seven randomized verification trials (80%–110% PPO at 5% intervals) on separate days. Differences in V̇O2 responses were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Effect size was calculated using Hedges' g. The peak V̇O2 attained during the verification trials was expressed relative to the ramp-derived V̇O2max and classified as lower (< 95%), within normal variability (95%–105%), or higher (> 105%). The peak V̇O2 values at 80%, 105%, and 110% PPO were significantly lower than ramp-derived V̇O2max (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at 85%, 90%, and 95% PPO. Effect sizes were small at 85%–95% PPO (Hedges' g = 0.29–0.32), medium at 100%–105% PPO (Hedges' g = 0.63–0.66), and large at 80% and 110% PPO (Hedges' g = 1.21–1.34). Of 105 verification trials, 81 were within ±5% of ramp V̇O2max, 22 were lower (mainly at 80% and 110% PPO), and two exceeded ramp V̇O2max (at 85% and 95% PPO). Although verification trials did not meaningfully contribute to the verification of V̇O2max, trials performed at 85%–95% PPO provided the best chances of confirming V̇O2max in trained individuals. Interpretation of verification trials relative to ramp-derived PPO is protocol dependent, which may limit generalizability across different ramp designs.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	aerobic capacity, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, constant-workload trials, peak oxygen uptake, ramp-incremental test, severe-intensity domain
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Exercise Activity and Rehabilitation Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	04 Mar 2026 16:01
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/52358

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