Comparative analysis of predictive formulas for the evaluation of functional capacity with cardiopulmonary test in professional female soccer players

ABSTRACT To compare the validity of two oxygen consumption (VO2) prediction formulas with the values obtained through cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPT) in a treadmill with professional female soccer players. Eighteen professional female soccer players performed CPT in a treadmill with an incremental protocol. The VO2 of the gas exchange threshold (GET) was determined, as well as at peak exercise. After that, the following formula of VO2prediction i) VO2 = (0.2 x velocity) + (0.9 x velocity x incline) + 3.5 - velocity, in mph and %incline); and ii) MET (metabolic equivalent) = 6xHRI-5, where HRI = maximum heart rate/resting heart rate, were applied in the same power for comparison. In the first formula, the values obtained in GET and at peak exercise were below the estimated, indicating that the formula overestimated VO2 and, consequently, aerobic capacity and power. In the second formula, the values were below the estimated, indicating that the formula also underestimated VO2 and, consequently, aerobic capacity and power. Given these results, the prediction formulas do not present similarity in determining the functional capacity (FC) of professional female soccer players, indicating they are not suitable for this population.