Predicting VO(2max) in competitive cyclists: Is the FRIEND equation the optimal choice?

Predicting VO(2max) in athletes is vital for determining endurance capacity, for performance monitoring, in clinical diagnostic procedures, and for disease management. This study aimed to assess the most suitable equation for predicting VO(2max) in competitive cyclists. Competitive cyclists (496 males, 84 females, Caucasian, 580 total) were included in the study from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019. Only subjects who were actively participating in national or international competitions and who were registered competitive cyclists and part of cycling teams at the time of the measurements were included. Subjects performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer, and VO(2max) was measured as indicated by a plateau in VO(2). In addition, four prediction equations (the FRIEND, Storer, Fairbarn, and Jones) were used to estimate VO(2max). The predicted VO(2max) using the FRIEND equation was in good agreement with the measured VO(2max) in male and female athletes. This was reflected by a high correlation with r = 0.684 for men and r = 0.897 for women (p = 0.000), with ICC = 0.568 (95% CI 0.184, 0.752) for men and ICC = 0.881 (95% CI 0.813, 0.923) for women. Total error was 1.56 and 1.48 ml/min/kg and a minimal bias of−3.6 and −1.1 ml/min/kg (men and women, respectively). Using other equations resulted in a slight decline in agreement with the measured standard. The FRIEND equation predicted VO(2max) accurately with small total error, small prediction errors, and with the smallest constant error in our study cohort, indicating the potential value of using FRIEND equation also in competitive cyclists. This equation proved to have the highest accuracy both in male and female cyclists.