Evaluation of Alternative Tests for Measuring Vo2max Compared to the Gold Standard CPET Treadmill Test

Accurate assessment of the body's oxygen consumption is essential for the effective management of endurance in athletes. Peak oxygen uptake (VO₂max) remains the primary indicator for evaluating aerobic capacity and exercise efficiency. Although the gold standard for measuring VO₂max is the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) on a treadmill, it is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and requires precise calibration, making it less accessible in many settings. This study aims to evaluate alternative VO₂max testing protocols—namely, the CPET velo test, Astrand cycle ergometer test, Chester Step Test, and Submaximal Cycle Ergometry—with a focus on practicality, efficiency, and reliability. The objective is to determine whether these alternatives can offer comparable accuracy to CPET while being easier and more cost-effective to implement. A mixed-method research design was applied, combining experimental procedures and statistical regression analysis. Five participants with diverse physical activity backgrounds completed various tests, although some data was excluded due to technical limitations. Results indicated that none of the alternative tests consistently matched the CPET treadmill outcomes. The Astrand test showed identical VO₂max values in one participant, but significant discrepancies were observed in others. The findings confirm that the CPET treadmill test remains the most valid and reliable method for measuring VO₂max. While alternative submaximal tests may serve in general fitness assessments, they lack the precision required for high-stakes evaluation. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering participants' lifestyle and activity familiarity when selecting appropriate testing protocols. Future research should further explore hybrid models that balance scientific rigor with practical applicability.