Factors determining maximal oxygen uptake in prepubertal children: a Systematic Review and Meta- analysis Maximal oxygen uptake in prepubertal children

Abstract

In prepubertal children, cardiorespiratory fitness values have not yet been determined based on measured values. The purpose of this analysis is to present cardiorespiratory fitness in prepubertal boys and girls and to determine if there are any differences based on sex, measurement tool or if maximal or peak oxygen consumption metrics are used. PRISMA guidelines were followed. For statistical analysis, multilevel models grounded in Bayesian principles were used. Selected studies obtained: maximal effort during the test, peak or maximal oxygen consumption values, boys and girls (sex specific groups only) age under 11, cycle ergometry or treadmill, pre-intervention or no intervention data. In boys using cycle ergometry, 118 study samples were included in the analysis, in boys using treadmill 115, in girls using cycle ergometry 83 and in girls using treadmill testing 95 study entries were included. As children get older, their CRF increases (P ≈ 100%). Studies with participants having smaller body mass have higher relative V̇O₂ values (P ≈ 100%). Boys have higher V̇O₂ values than girls (P ≈ 100%). Studies using treadmill reported higher values than those using cycle ergometer (P ≈ 100%). Regarding the influence of measurement method (max vs. peak) on V̇O₂ values we did not find significant differences. In conclusion, we present reference values for aerobic power in prepubertal boys and girls using cycle ergometry or treadmill. Prepubertal boys have higher aerobic power than girls and using treadmill testing might be a preferred method to cycle ergometry, especially in older children. Maximal or peak oxygen consumption metrics might be used interchangeably in prepubertal children.