Maximal oxygen uptake and daily physical activity in 7- to 12-year- old boys

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (V02max) and daily physical activity in a group of 7 to 12-year-old boys. VO:max was assessed through (he incremental treadmill test using an open circuit system. Physical activity level was obtained from heart rate telemetry outside of school time for 8 hrs during weekdays and during 40 min -of physical educarion classes. The findings indicated that the absolute value of VO->rnax increased with age, while relative to l>ody weight it Tcmaincd almost the same across age, with a mean of 48.4 ml • kg 1 • min Moreover, heart rale telemetry showed that the boys spent a limited amount of time on activities that raise the heart rate to a level above 160 bptn <au average of 1.9%). In addition. V(>max was found to be significantly related to the percentage of time spent at activity levels at or above a heart rate of 140 bptn. but not with activity levels at or above a heart rate of 160 bpm.