Comparison of intensities and rest periods for VO2max verification testing procedures

We sought to determine the incidence of 'true' VO₂max confirmation with the verification procedure across different protocols. 12 active participants (men n=6, women n=6) performed in random order 4 different maximal graded exercises tests (GXT) and verification bout protocols on 4 separate days. Conditions for the rest period and verification bout intensity were: A - 105% intensity, 20 min rest; B - 105% intensity, 60 min rest; C - 115% intensity, 20 min rest; D - 115% intensity, 60 min rest. VO₂max confirmation (difference between peak VO₂ GXT and verification trial<±3%) using the verification trial was 12/12 (100%), 12/12 (100%), 8/12 (66.70%), and 7/12 (58.33%) for protocols A, B, C, and D. There was a significant (p<0.05) effect of verification intensity on VO₂max confirmation across all exercise test conditions (intensity effect within recovery 20 min (χ² (1)=4.800, p<0.05), intensity effect within recovery 60 min (χ² (1)=6.316, p<0.05)). No significant effect was found for incidence of VO₂max confirmation with different rest periods. We recommend the use of 105% of the maximal GXT workload and 20 min rest periods when using verification trials to confirm VO₂max in normally active populations.