Key result
Significant CPET method heterogeneity across sites precludes reliable global reference ranges for VO2peak and Wpeak.
Why the study?
Existing CPET reference equations were population-specific with none spanning the human age range, highlighting the need for all-age global reference ranges for peak oxygen uptake and peak work rate.
Can global reference ranges for VO2peak and Wpeak be derived from retrospective CPET data in healthy individuals?
Can global reference ranges for VO2peak and Wpeak be derived from retrospective CPET data in healthy individuals?
Retrospective derivation of global CPET reference ranges was unsuccessful due to significant methodological heterogeneity, highlighting the need for prospective, standardized data collection.
Authors
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Clinicians should rely on local CPET references; leaves open global ranges pending prospective standardized data collection.
Radtke et al. (2026) studied this question. Significant heterogeneity in CPET methods and outcomes across 17 sites precluded reliable global reference ranges for VO2peak and Wpeak despite analyzing 5956 healthy individuals.
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