Running
VO2 = (0.2 x speed) + (0.9 x speed x
grade) + 3.5
This equation is appropriate for
speeds greater than 5.0 mph (or 3.0
mph or greater if the subject is truly
jogging). Speed is calculated in m/min.
The constants refer to the following:
0.2 = oxygen cost per meter ofmoving each kg of body weight while
running (horizontally)
0.9 = oxygen cost per meter of
moving total body mass against gravity
(vertically)
Cycling or Leg Ergometry
VO2 = [1.8 (work rate) ÷ body mass
in kg] + 7
This equation is appropriate for
power outputs of 300–1,200 kilogram
meters per minute (kgm/min) and
speeds of 50–60 revolutions per minute
(rpm). Since the power output that
needs to be plugged into the equation is
in kgm/min, and many exercise bikes
measure in watts, you may need to convert
watts to kgm/min (1 watt =
6 kgm/min). The constants refer to the
following:
1.8 = oxygen cost of producing
1 kgm/min of power output
7 = oxygen cost of unloaded cycling
plus resting oxygen consumption
Stepping
VO2 = [0.2 (step rate)] + [1.33 x 1.8
(height in meters x step rate)] + 3.5
This equation is appropriate for stepping
rates of 12–30 steps/min and for
step heights ranging from 1.6 to 15.7
inches. Since the height that needs to
be plugged into the equation is in meters,
you must convert inches to meters
(1 inch = 0.0254 meters). The constants
refer to the following:
0.2 = oxygen cost of moving horizontally
during stepping
1.8 = oxygen cost of moving vertically
during stepping
1.33 = correction factor for positive
and negative (up and down) component
of stepping