Resumen de Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope in Healthy Children

Moniek Akkerman, Marco von Brussel, Bart C. Bongers, Erik H.J. Hulzebos, PJM. Helders, Tim Takken

• The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the submaximal Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES) in a healthy pediatric population. Bicycle ergometry exercise tests with gas-analyses were performed in 46 healthy children aged 7�17 years. Maximal OUES, submaximal OUES, VO2peak, VEpeak, andventilatory threshold (VT) were determined. The submaximal OUES correlated highly with VO2peak, VEpeak, and VT. Strong correlations were found with basicanthropometric variables. The submaximal OUES could provide an objective, independent measure of cardiorespiratory function in children, reflecting efficiency of ventilation. We recommend expressing OUES values relative to Body Surface Area (BSA) or Fat Free Mass (FFM).