Reliability of VO2max in Adolescent Runners: A Comparison Between Plateau Achievers and Nonachievers

This study examined the test-retest reliability of VO2max in adolescent VO2 plateau achievers and nonachievers. Nineteen male long-distance runners completed a modified Taylor running protocol to volitional fatigue twice within a one-week period. Results showed that 10 subjects did not achieve a plateau in either test (No P), and 9 achieved a plateau in at least one of the tests (P). The VO2max differed (p .05). Interclass correlation coefficients for VO2max were high for both the No P (R = .87) and P (R = .97) groups. A high test-retest reliability coefficient for VO2max can be obtained even when a plateau in VO2 is not achieved.