Validity of a ramp protocol based on whole-body climbing-specific exercise for peak oxygen uptake in physically active adults

The present study aimed to verify the validity of peak oxygen uptake ( V˙O2peak) between climbing-specific walking (CLIMIT) and cycling tests in physically active adults. A total of 101 physically active adults participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either cycling or CLIMIT test. The cycling test included an initial period of 2 min at a constant load of 50 watts. The workload was increased by 25 watts every 30 s. During the CLIMIT test, an initial period of 2 min at a constant step length (SL) of 18 cm, a step frequency (SF) of 80·min–1, and a viscous intensity (VI) of 100 F*v·min–1. SL and VI were increased by 2 cm and 50 F*v·min–1 every 30 s, respectively. SF was reduced only by 20·min–1 until the end of the test. Pearson’s correlations of V˙O2peak, physiological variables, and energetic contributions were determined during both tests. Cycling and CLIMIT tests showed strong interclass correlations, acceptable biases, and narrow 95% limits of agreement of V˙O2peak. Strong relationships of physiological variables and energetic contributions between both tests were observed. The CLIMIT test and V˙O2peak showed a high validity. This may lead to another useful exercise for cardiovascular/-metabolic tests.