Comparing Submaximal Exercise Tests for Vo₂max Estimation: Sixminute Walk Test Versus Tecumseh Step Test in Overweight and Obese Adults

Background:In young people, obesity presents serious health risks, especially with reference to cardiorespiratory tness. Comparison of different submaximal exercise tests is essential for determining the accuracy and applicability of eld-based measures of exercise capacity. Although both tests are simple, inexpensive, and feasible for large populations, they reect different physiological constructs. Therefore, assessing and comparing VO₂ max estimates derived from the 6MWT and TST is important to determine whether these tests can be used interchangeably or whether they provide distinct insights into cardiorespiratory tness, particularly in populations with altered exercise physiology such as overweight and obese adults. To evaluate the physiological reactions, prediction accuracy, and usefulness of the 6MWT and Objective: TST in young adults who are overweight or obese, paying particular emphasis to heart rate, subjective effort, and VO₂ max estimation. Method: Cross-sectional comparison investigation was conducted on 60 class I obese people (BMI 25–34.9 kg/m²; ages 18–30). Standard prediction models were used to estimate VO₂ max after the 6MWT and TST. Post-exercise heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived effort rating were noted. Non-parametric tests and paired t-tests were used to assess the data. The VO Result: ₂ max in the TST was signicantly greater than that in the 6MWT (33.66 ± 6.15 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), at 27.12 ± 3.75 mL/kg/min. While SpO₂ stayed constant in both tests (p = 0.67), post-test HR and RPE were similarly signicantly higher after TST (p < 0.001). The results show that TST imposes a higher physiological load because it causes more perceived and cardiovascular effort. Conclusion: In summary, the 6MWT and TST produce notably different estimations of VO₂ max and exertional responses, suggesting that they cannot be used interchangeably in groups that are overweight or obese. The assessment purpose, safety, and practicality should all be taken into consideration when choosing a test, and additional validation in various clinical contexts is necessary