Forced vital capacity and gender predicted maximum oxygen consumption with R2=0.690 and SEE=0.65 L/min in 422 athletes aged 8-56 years across multiple sports.
Observational (n=422)
Yes
Does forced vital capacity (FVC) predict maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) in athletes?
FVC provides reasonable population-level V̇O2max estimates in athletes, offering a practical screening tool when metabolic testing is unavailable, though individual predictions have substantial variance.
Effect estimate: R2 0.690
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Purpose Static spirometry parameters may offer practical alternatives to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O 2max ) in athletic populations. This study evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) as a predictor of V̇O 2max across different sports, developing prediction equations for field-based assessment. Methods Four hundred twenty-two athletes (324 males, 98 females; age 22.9 ± 8.5 years) from cycling ( n = 123), swimming ( n = 68), triathlon ( n = 60), multisport ( n = 83), and other sports ( n = 88) performed spirometry and maximal incremental testing. V̇O 2max was directly measured using breath-by-breath gas analysis. LASSO regression identified predictors, with Bland–Altman analysis assessing agreement. Results FVC and gender emerged as significant predictors ( R 2 = 0.690, P < 0.001). The equation V̇O 2max (L·min −1 ) = (FVC × 0.61) + (Gender × 0.86) yielded SEE = 0.65 L·min −1 . Including additional variables (Maximum voluntary ventilation, body weight, age) marginally improved prediction ( R 2 = 0.712) but reduced practical utility. Coefficient of variation between measured and predicted values was 12.1%. Sport-specific analysis revealed highest predictive accuracy in swimmers ( R 2 = 0.893). Conclusion FVC provides reasonable population-level V̇O 2max estimates in athletes, though individual predictions require caution given substantial unexplained variance (31%). Sport-specific equations, particularly for swimming populations, enhance predictive accuracy. These findings offer practical screening tools for coaches lacking access to metabolic testing equipment, though direct measurement remains the gold standard for individual assessment.
Lorenzo-Capellá et al. (Sat,) conducted a observational in Athletes aged 8-56 years participating regularly in various sports including cycling, swimming, triathlon, multisport, and other sports (n=422). Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measurement vs. Direct maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) measurement by breath-by-breath gas analysis was evaluated on Prediction of maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max in L·min−1) using Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and gender (R2 0.690, p=<0.001). Forced vital capacity and gender predicted maximum oxygen consumption with R2=0.690 and SEE=0.65 L/min in 422 athletes aged 8-56 years across multiple sports.