Prediction of peak oxygen uptake in children using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion during treadmill exercise

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the utility of the Children’s Effort Rating Table (CERT) and the Eston–Parfitt (EP) Scale in estimating peak oxygen uptake (V˙ O 2 peak) in children, during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill. Methods: Fifty healthy children (n = 21 boys; 9.4 ± 0.9 years) completed a continuous, incremental protocol until the attainment of V˙ O 2 peak. Oxygen uptake (V˙ O 2) was measured continuously, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were estimated at the end of each exercise stage using the CERT and the EP Scale. Ratings up to- and including RPE 5 and 7, from both the CERT (CERT 5, CERT 7) and EP Scale (EP 5, EP 7), were linearly regressed against the corresponding V˙ O 2, to both maximal RPE (CERT 10, EP 10) and terminal RPE (CERT 9, EP 9). Results: There were no differences between measured- and predicted V˙ O 2 peak from CERT 5, CERT 7, EP 5 and EP 7 when extrapolated to either CERT 9 or EP 9 (P > 0.05). Pearson’s correlations of r = 0.64–0.86 were observed between measured- and predicted V˙ O 2 peak, for all perceptual ranges investigated. However, only EP 7 provided a small difference when considering the standard error of estimate, suggesting that the prediction of V˙ O 2 peak from EP 7 would be within 10 % of measured V˙ O 2 peak. Conclusions: Although robust estimates of V˙ O 2 peak may be elicited using both the CERT and EP Scale during a single CPET with children, the most accurate estimates of V˙ O 2 peak occur when extrapolating from EP 7.