Optimal criteria and sampling interval to detect a (V) over dotO2 plateau at (V) over dotO2max in patients with metabolic syndrome

This study sought to determine the optimal criteria and sampling interval to detect a VO2 plateau at VO2max in patients with metabolic syndrome. Twenty-three participants with criteria-defined metabolic syndrome underwent a maximal graded exercise test. Four different sampling intervals and three different VO2 plateau criteria were analysed to determine the effect of each parameter on the incidence of VO2 plateau at VO2max. Seventeen tests were classified as maximal based on attainment of at least two out of three criteria. There was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of 15-breath (b) sampling interval on the incidence of VO2 plateau at VO2max across the ≤50 and ≤80 mLmin-1 conditions. Strength of association was established by the Cramers V statistic (φc); (≤50 mLmin-1 [φc = 0.592, p < 0.05], ≤80 mLmin-1 [φc = 0.383, p < 0.05], ≤150 mLmin-1 [φc = 0.246, p > 0.05]). When conducting maximal stress tests on patients with metabolic syndrome, a 15-b sampling interval and ≤50 mLmin-1 criteria should be implemented to increase the likelihood of detecting VO2 plateau at VO2max. © 2015 Taylor and Francis.