Estimating VO₂ max in healthy subjects without maximal effort: a novel protocol using ballistocardiography.

ABSTRACT: Low maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂ max) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet its gold-standard assessment through cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) requires maximal effort and specialized equipment. This study evaluates whether ballistocardiography (BCG), recorded during brief stabilization breaks embedded in a submaximal cycling protocol, can provide reliable estimates of V̇O₂ max. BCG provides unique insights into stroke volume and blood displacement, offering a robust physiological basis for V̇O₂ max estimation. Sixteen healthy young adults completed three randomized exercise protocols on a cycle ergometer with simultaneous gas-exchange analysis: a standard incremental step CPET until exhaustion (S) and two modified pro

SUBMITTER: Hossein A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12852396 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature