In instances where VO₂ max testing is not practical, such as with large epidemiological studies, submax VO₂ and field tests have been used to estimate VO₂ max. Submax VO₂ tests use heart rate to predict the oxygen consumption that would have occurred during maximal workloads (VO₂ max). Submax VO₂ tests are able to predict VO₂ max because of the linear relationship that exists between heart rate and exercise workload/intensity (as workland/intensity increases; HR increases) (ACSM, 2000).

Similarly, field tests use either the distance that is covered or the amount of time it took to cover a particular distance to estimate VO2 max using established prediction equations (ACSM, 2000)

Recommended Readings:

American College of Sports Medicine (2000). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (6^th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.