"Tailored" submaximal step test for VO2max prediction in healthy older adults.

We developed and validated a "tailored" version of the Astrand-Rhyming step test (tA-R) and a new equation for VO2max prediction in older adults (OA). 60 subjects (age 68±4, 30 M, 30 F) performed our tA-R step test (5-min, 30-cm step, tailored stepping rate) and an incremental cycling test to exhaustion. VO2max was: i) predicted using the standard A-R equation (predictedVO2max); ii) predicted based on our new multiple linear equation (equationVO2max); iii) directly measured by incremental cycling test (directVO2max). Agreement among values of VO2max was evaluated by Bland-Altman analysis. predictedVO2max was not significantly different from directVO2max yet with relatively large imprecision. equationVO2max allowed more precise as well as accurate predictions of VO2max compared to standard A-R prediction. Our "tailored" version of the Astrand-Rhyming step test and our new prediction equation appear suitable for a rapid (5-min), safe (submaximal), accurate and precise VO2max prediction in healthy OA.