Resumo

MAROCOLO, Moacir et al. Analysis of the correlation between Polar Fitness Test^® protocol and ergospirometry. Rev Bras Med Esporte [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.3, pp. 195-197. ISSN 1517-8692.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1517-86922012000300012.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of maximal oxygen consumption (O_2máx) measurement is justified by its international acceptance as the best physiological parameter to assess the functional capacity of the cardiorespiratory system in both athletes and non-athletes who physically train in order to achieve better health. OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement between the Polar Fitness Test^® protocols to estimate of O_2máx and the maximal exercise test with direct gas measurement. METHODS: Seventeen active males (22.5 ± 2 years) participated in the study. At rest, the Polar Fitness Test^® protocol by direct gas collection under maximum effort on treadmill and the Bruce protocol were applied. RESULTS: Significant difference in the O_2máx estimation was observed between methods. The Polar Fitness Test^® protocol underestimated O_2máx a mean of 15% (CI_95%: 24;-53%) when compared to the direct protocol. The values obtained by the Polar Fitness Test^® did not correlate well with direct measurement in ergospirometer (r = 0.1). CONCLUSION: The Polar Fitness Test^® protocol is not valid to estimate O_2máx in physically active young men.

Palavras-chave : efficiency; oxygen consumption; ergospirometer; estimation; heart rate.