Author(s): BRUGGISSER, F., KNAIER, R., SCHOCH, R., INFANGER, D., NIEMEYER, M., SCHMIDT-TRUCKSÄSS, A., WAGNER, J. , Institution: UNIVERSITY BASEL, Country: SWITZERLAND, Abstract-ID: 786

INTRODUCTION:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 4-minute time trial (4TT) or a 3-minute all-out test (3MT) might be an alternative to a ramp cycling test for the determination of maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) in endurance and CrossFit® athletes.
METHODS:
Data from two cross-sectional studies were analysed. In study 1, 18 male and 13 female endurance athletes completed two ramp tests and two 4TT on different days. In study 2, 23 male and 17 female CrossFit® athletes completed one ramp test followed by a 3MT with an intervening 20-minute recovery phase. Tolerance limits for ∆V̇O2max between the two exercise tests were set a priori to ± 0.13 L/min.
RESULTS:
In study 1 and 2, the mean (standard deviation) V̇O2max attained during the ramp test was 3.93 (0.73) L/min and 4.01 (0.74) L/min, respectively. In study 1, mean differences between the first ramp test and the first 4TT and between the second ramp test and the second 4TT were 0.02 L/min (p=0.930) and 0.03 L/min (p=0.873), respectively. However, the tolerance limits were -0.35 to 0.31 L/min and -0.36 to 0.42 L/min, respectively. In study 2, mean difference and tolerance limits were 0.08 L/min (p=0.637) and -0.42 to 0.58 L/min, respectively.
CONCLUSION:
Due to the limited agreement between either the 4TT or 3MT and the ramp test to determine V̇O2max in endurance and CrossFit® athletes, neither test is interchangeable. However, the lack of systematic differences in measured V̇O2max and the investigation of other performance-related outcomes suggest that the use of time trials and/or all-out tests remains a worthwhile option.