Prediction of peak oxygen uptake from sub‐maximal ratings of perceived exertion elicited during a graded exercise test in obese women

The purpose was to assess the validity of predicting peak oxygen uptake (.VO(2)peak) from Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE)< or =15, during a graded exercise test (GXT), in obese women. Forty-three obese women performed GXT to volitional exhaustion. During GXT, oxygen uptake (.VO(2)) and RPE were measured. Individual linear regressions between .VO(2) and RPE< or =15 were extrapolated to RPE 20 in order to predict .VO(2)peak. Actual and predicted .VO(2)peak were not significantly different (13.9+/-3.0 vs 14.2+/-3.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively; p=.26). The Pearson product moment correlation between actual and predicted .VO(2)peak was high (r=0.82). The 95% limits of agreement analysis on these values (bias+/-1.96SD) was -0.3+/-3.7 ml kg(-1) min(-1). Results suggested that RPE< or =15 elicited during a sub-maximal GXT provides accurate .VO(2)peak prediction. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform GXT to voluntary exhaustion to determine .VO(2)peak in obese women.