Key result
Although 4-min time trials and 3-min all-out tests showed no systematic deviations in mean VO2peak compared to ramp tests, their wide tolerance limits indicate they are not directly interchangeable for precise individual assessment.
Why the study?
This study investigated the added value of peak oxygen uptake measurements during a 4-min time trial or a 3-min all-out test compared to a ramp cycling test to enhance sport-specific performance assessment.
Does a 4-min time trial or 3-min all-out test accurately measure peak oxygen uptake compared to a standard ramp test in recreational cyclists and CrossFit athletes?
Cross-Sectional (n=71)
No
Does a 4-min time trial or 3-min all-out test accurately measure peak oxygen uptake compared to a standard ramp test in recreational cyclists and CrossFit athletes?
Mean Difference: 0.02 (95% CI -0.35–0.31)
p-value: p=0.930
Although 4-min time trials and 3-min all-out tests show no systematic bias compared to standard ramp tests for measuring peak oxygen uptake, their wide tolerance limits suggest they are not directly interchangeable for precise VO2peak determination.
Wide tolerance limits preclude interchangeability for precise VO2peak assessment; leaves open field-test utility in recreational athletes pending validation.
This study investigated the added value of peak oxygen uptake ( V̇ O 2peak ) measurements during a 4-min time trial (4TT) or a 3-min all-out test (3MT) as compared to a ramp cycling test to enhance sport-specific performance assessment. Data from two cross-sectional studies were analysed. In study 1, 18 male and 13 female recreational cyclists performed two ramp tests and two 4TT on different days. In study 2, 23 male and 17 female CrossFit athletes performed one ramp test followed by a 3MT with an intervening 20-min recovery. The tolerance limits for ∆ V̇ O 2peak between the two exercise tests was set to ± 0.13 L·min −1 , reflecting common day-to-day variation in V̇ O 2peak . In study 1, comparing the first ramp test with the first 4TT and comparing the second ramp test with the second 4TT showed mean differences of 0.02 L·min −1 ( p = 0.930) and 0.03 L·min −1 ( p = 0.873), respectively. However, the tolerance limits were − 0.35–0.31 L·min −1 and − 0.36–0.42 L·min −1 , respectively. In study 2, the mean difference and tolerance limits were 0.08 L·min −1 ( p = 0.637) and − 0.42–0.58 L·min −1 . Although the 4TT and 3MT show limited agreement with ramp tests for V̇ O 2peak , the lack of systematic deviations supports their value for sport-specific performance assessment.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bruggisser et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy recreational cyclists and CrossFit athletes (n=71). 4-min time trial (4TT) or 3-min all-out test (3MT) vs. Ramp cycling test was evaluated on Agreement of VO2peak achieved during a ramp test compared to VO2peak achieved during either the 4TT or the 3MT (MD 0.02 L/min, 95% CI -0.35-0.31, p=0.930). Although 4-min time trials and 3-min all-out tests showed no systematic deviations in mean VO2peak compared to ramp tests, their wide tolerance limits indicate they are not directly interchangeable for precise individual assessment.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: