Current VO2max assessment methodologies are based on the usage of expensive ergospirometry devices. Available statistical models neglect the individual’s metabolic characteristics and show low accuracy. We investigated the validity of INSCYD software to calculate VO2max from the power output at all-out cycling efforts, body weight, fat percentage and Lamax as an alternative to ergospirometry. Eleven trained male volunteers performed six maximal cycling tests of 20s to 12 min duration. INSCYD software was used to model the metabolism during the tested efforts and to calculate VO2max. The calculated VO2max was compared with the measured VO2max with ergospirometry during the ramp test and the 3- and 6-min maximal efforts. Excellent agreement was achieved between the calculated and measured VO2max (ramp: -0.21 ml·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -2.46 to 2.0 mL·min-1·kg-1; 3min: -1.35 ml·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -3.04 to 0.33 mL·min-1·kg-1; 6min: 0.34 mL·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -1.01 to 1.68 mL·min-1·kg-1). A valid VO2max can be obtained from the power data of 2 maximal efforts of 3- and 6-min duration and a sprint test to calculate Lamax. This procedure can be implemented in the normal training regimen of athletes, without the need for expensive equipment. Future research should focus on testing the validity of the model on larger samples including females.
| Published in | International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education (Volume 11, Issue 1) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11 |
| Page(s) | 1-10 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group |
O2max, Lamax, Cycling, Cycling Power
| [1] | Cove, B.; Chalmers, S.; Nelson, M. J.; Anderson, M.; Bennett, H. The Effect of Training Distribution, Duration, and Volume on VO2max and Performance in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review, Multilevel Meta-Analysis, and Multivariate Meta-Regression. J. Sci. Med. Sport 2025, 28, 423–434, |
| [2] | Coyle, E. Integration of the Physiological Factors Determining Endurance Performance Ability. Exerc. Sport Sci. Rev. 1995, 23, 25–64. |
| [3] | Støa, E. M.; Rønnestad, B.; Helgerud, J.; Johansen, J.-M.; Andersen, I. T.; Rogneflåten, T.; Sørensen, A.; Støren, Ø. Short-Time Cycling Performance in Young Elite Cyclists: Related to Maximal Aerobic Power and Not to Maximal Accumulated Oxygen Deficit. Front. Physiol. 2025, 15, 1536874, |
| [4] | Pedersen, B. K.; Saltin, B. Exercise as Medicine – Evidence for Prescribing Exercise as Therapy in 26 Different Chronic Diseases. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2015, 25, 1–72, |
| [5] | Ross, R.; Blair, S. N.; Arena, R.; Church, T. S.; Després, J.-P.; Franklin, B. A.; Haskell, W. L.; Kaminsky, L. A.; Levine, B. D.; Lavie, C. J.; et al. Importance of Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Clinical Practice: A Case for Fitness as a Clinical Vital Sign: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2016, 134, |
| [6] | Strasser, B.; Burtscher, M. Survival of the Fittest: VO2max, a Key Predictor of Longevity? Front. Biosci. Landmark Ed. 2018, 23, 1505–1516, |
| [7] | Haugen, T.; Paulsen, G.; Seiler, S.; Sandbakk, Ø. New Records in Human Power. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2018, 13, 678–686, |
| [8] | Rønnestad, B. R.; Hansen, J.; Stensløkken, L.; Joyner, M. J.; Lundby, C. Case Studies in Physiology: Temporal Changes in Determinants of Aerobic Performance in Individual Going from Alpine Skier to World Junior Champion Time Trial Cyclist. J. Appl. Physiol. 2019, 127, 306–311, |
| [9] | Loe, H.; Rognmo, Ø.; Saltin, B.; Wisløff, U. Aerobic Capacity Reference Data in 3816 Healthy Men and Women 20–90 Years. PLoS ONE 2013, 8, e64319, |
| [10] | Valenzuela, P. L.; Maffiuletti, N. A.; Joyner, M. J.; Lucia, A.; Lepers, R. Lifelong Endurance Exercise as a Countermeasure Against Age-Related VO2max Decline: Physiological Overview and Insights from Masters Athletes. Sports Med. 2020, 50, 703–716, |
| [11] | Skinner, J. S.; Jaskólski, A.; Jaskólska, A.; Krasnoff, J.; Gagnon, J.; Leon, A. S.; Rao, D. C.; Wilmore, J. H.; Bouchard, C. Age, Sex, Race, Initial Fitness, and Response to Training: The HERITAGE Family Study. J. Appl. Physiol. 2001, 90, 1770–1776, |
| [12] | Odden, I.; Nymoen, L.; Urianstad, T.; Kristoffersen, M.; Hammarström, D.; Hansen, J.; Mølmen, K. S.; Rønnestad, B. R. The Higher the Fraction of Maximal Oxygen Uptake Is during Interval Training, the Greater Is the Cycling Performance Gain. Eur. J. Sport Sci. 2024, ejsc. 12202, |
| [13] | Foster, C.; Green, M.; Snyder, A.; Thomson, N. Physiological Responses during Simulated Competition. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 1993, 25, 877–882. |
| [14] | Liguori, G.; Feito, Y.; Fountaine, C.; Roy, B.; American College of Sports Medicine other ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription; American College of Sports Medicine’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription; Eleventh edition.; Wolters Kluwer: Philadelphia, 2022. |
| [15] | Midgley, A. W.; Bentley, D. J.; Luttikholt, H.; McNaughton, L. R.; Millet, G. P. Challenging a Dogma of Exercise Physiology: Does an Incremental Exercise Test for Valid VO2max Determination Really Need to Last Between 8 and 12 Minutes? Sports Med. 2008, 38, 441–447, |
| [16] | Beltz, N. M.; Gibson, A. L.; Janot, J. M.; Kravitz, L.; Mermier, C. M.; Dalleck, L. C. Graded Exercise Testing Protocols for the Determination of VO 2 Max: Historical Perspectives, Progress, and Future Considerations. J. Sports Med. 2016, 2016, 1–12, |
| [17] | Van Hooren, B.; Souren, T.; Bongers, B. C. Accuracy of Respiratory Gas Variables, Substrate, and Energy Use from 15 CPET Systems during Simulated and Human Exercise. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2023, sms. 14490, |
| [18] | Sitko, S.; Cirer-Sastre, R.; Corbi, F.; López-Laval, I. Five-Minute Power-Based Test to Predict Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Road Cycling. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2022, 17, 9–15, |
| [19] | Seiler, S.; Jøranson, K.; Olesen, B. V.; Hetlelid, K. J. Adaptations to Aerobic Interval Training: Interactive Effects of Exercise Intensity and Total Work Duration. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2013, 23, 74–83, |
| [20] | Matzka, M.; Lenk, M.; Meixner, B.; Sperlich, B. Meta-analysis of High-intensity Interval Training and Alternative Modalities for Enhancing Aerobic and Anaerobic Endurance in Young Athletes. Physiol. Rep. 2025, 13, e70598, |
| [21] | Gastin, P. B. Energy System Interaction and Relative Contribution During Maximal Exercise: Sports Med. 2001, 31, 725–741, |
| [22] | Clark, B.; Macdermid, P. W. VLamax Correlates Strongly With Glycolytic Performance. Res. Q. Exerc. Sport 2025, 1–8, |
| [23] | Quittmann, O. J. Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate cLamax: Current Evidence and Future Directions for Exercise Testing and Training. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2025, |
| [24] | Mader, A. Eine Theorie zur Berechnung der Dynamik und des steady state von Phosphorylierungszustand und Stoffwechselaktivitaet der Muskelzelle als Folge des Energiebedarfs [A theory for calculating the dynamics and steady state of the phosphorylation state and metabolic activity of the muscle cell as a consequence of energy demand]; Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln: Köln, 1984. |
| [25] | Mader, A. Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation as a Function of Cytosolic Phosphorylation State and Power Output of the Muscle Cell. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2003, 88, 317–338, |
| [26] | Mader, A.; Heck, H. A Theory of the Metabolic Origin of “Anaerobic Threshold.” Int J Sports Med 1986, 7, 45–65. |
| [27] | Mader, A. Anaerobic Threshold (AT) as Determined by VO2max and Vlamax of the Working Muscle Mass of the Human Body - an Update of the Theoretical Concept.; European College of Sport Science: Rome, July 17 1999; p. 14. |
| [28] | Dunst, A. K.; Hesse, C.; Ueberschär, O.; Holmberg, H.-C. Fatigue-Free Force-Velocity and Power-Velocity Profiles for Elite Track Sprint Cyclists: The Influence of Duration, Gear Ratio and Pedalling Rates. Sports 2022, 10, 130, |
| [29] | Dunst, A. K.; Hesse, C.; Ueberschär, O. Enhancing Endurance Performance Predictions: The Role of Movement Velocity in Metabolic Simulations Demonstrated by Cycling Cadence. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2025, |
| [30] | Heck, H.; Schulz, H.; Bartmus, U. Diagnostics of Anaerobic Power and Capacity. Eur. J. Sport Sci. 2003, 3, 1–23, |
| [31] | Pohl, A.; Schünemann, F.; Schaaf, K.; Yang, W.; Heck, H.; Heine, O.; Jacko, D.; Gehlert, S. Increased Resting Lactate Levels and Reduced Carbohydrate Intake Cause νLa. Max Underestimation by Reducing Net Lactate Accumulation—A Pilot Study in Young Adults. Physiol. Rep. 2024, 12, e70020, |
| [32] | Van Schuylenbergh, R.; Vanden Eynde, B.; Hespel, P. Effects of Air Ventilation during Stationary Exercise Testing. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2004, 92, 263–266, |
| [33] | Schoffelen, P. F. M.; Den Hoed, M.; Van Breda, E.; Plasqui, G. Test-retest Variability of VO2max Using Total-capture Indirect Calorimetry Reveals Linear Relationship of VO2 and Power. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2019, 29, 213–222, |
| [34] | Martin-Rincon, M.; Calbet, J. A. L. Progress Update and Challenges on V.O2max Testing and Interpretation. Front. Physiol. 2020, 11, 1070, |
| [35] | Balady, G. J.; Arena, R.; Sietsema, K.; Myers, J.; Coke, L.; Fletcher, G. F.; Forman, D.; Franklin, B.; Guazzi, M.; Gulati, M.; et al. Clinician’s Guide to Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2010, 122, 191–225, |
| [36] | Wackerhage, H.; Gehlert, S.; Schulz, H.; Weber, S.; Ring-Dimitriou, S.; Heine, O. Lactate Thresholds and the Simulation of Human Energy Metabolism: Contributions by the Cologne Sports Medicine Group in the 1970s and 1980s. Front. Physiol. 2022, 13, 899670, |
| [37] | Wackerhage, H. Contributions by the Cologne Group to the Development of Lactate Exercise Testing and Anaerobic Threshold Concepts in the 1970s and 1980s. J. Physiol. 2021, 599, 1713–1714, |
| [38] | Koo, T. K.; Li, M. Y. A Guideline of Selecting and Reporting Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for Reliability Research. J. Chiropr. Med. 2016, 15, 155–163, |
| [39] | Knaier, R.; Infanger, D.; Niemeyer, M.; Cajochen, C.; Schmidt-Trucksäss, A. In Athletes, the Diurnal Variations in Maximum Oxygen Uptake Are More Than Twice as Large as the Day-to-Day Variations. Front. Physiol. 2019, 10, 219, |
| [40] | Podlogar, T.; Cirnski, S.; Bokal, Š.; Kogoj, T. Utility of INSCYD Athletic Performance Software to Determine Maximal Lactate Steady State and Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Cyclists. J. Sci. Cycl. 2022, 11, 30–38, |
| [41] | Carrier, B.; Marten Chaves, S.; Navalta, J. W. Validation of Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) and Pulse Oximetry in Wearable Technology. Sensors 2025, 25, 275, |
| [42] | Dexheimer, J. D.; Brinson, S. J.; Pettitt, R. W.; Schroeder, E. T.; Sawyer, B. J.; Jo, E. Predicting Maximal Oxygen Uptake Using the 3-Minute All-Out Test in High-Intensity Functional Training Athletes. Sports 2020, 8, 155, |
| [43] | Poffé, C.; Van Dael, K.; Van Schuylenbergh, R. INSCYD Physiological Performance Software Is Valid to Determine the Maximal Lactate Steady State in Male and Female Cyclists. Front. Sports Act. Living 2024, 6, 1376876, |
| [44] | Billat, V. L.; Sirvent, P.; Py, G.; Koralsztein, J.-P.; Mercier, J. The Concept of Maximal Lactate Steady State: A Bridge Between Biochemistry, Physiology and Sport Science. Sports Med. 2003, 33, 407–426, |
| [45] | Passfield, L.; Hopker, Jg.; Jobson, S.; Friel, D.; Zabala, M. Knowledge Is Power: Issues of Measuring Training and Performance in Cycling. J. Sports Sci. 2017, 35, 1426–1434, |
| [46] | Spragg, J.; Leo, P. Can Critical Power Be Estimated from Training and Racing Data Using Mean Maximal Power Outputs? 2020. J Sci Cycl 9(2): 7-10. |
| [47] | Gonzalez, J. T.; Helleputte, S.; Van Erp, T.; Green, D.; Podlogar, T.; Derave, W.; Jeukendrup, A.; Burke, L. M. Nutritionally Relevant Technological Advancements in Professional Cycling. Int. J. Sport Nutr. Exerc. Metab. 2025, 1–13, |
| [48] | Zadow, E. K.; Kitic, C. M.; Wu, S. S. X.; Smith, S. T.; Fell, J. W. Validity of Power Settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2016, 11, 1115–1117, |
| [49] | Mondal, D.; Vanbelle, S.; Cassese, A.; Candel, M. J. Review of Sample Size Determination Methods for the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient in the One-Way Analysis of Variance Model. Stat. Methods Med. Res. 2024, 33, 532–553, |
APA Style
Schuylenbergh, R. V., Khurshudyan, A., Weber, S. (2026). Validity of the Calculated VO2max from Cycling Power and VLamax. International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education, 11(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11
ACS Style
Schuylenbergh, R. V.; Khurshudyan, A.; Weber, S. Validity of the Calculated VO2max from Cycling Power and VLamax. Int. J. Sports Sci. Phys. Educ. 2026, 11(1), 1-10. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11
AMA Style
Schuylenbergh RV, Khurshudyan A, Weber S. Validity of the Calculated VO2max from Cycling Power and VLamax. Int J Sports Sci Phys Educ. 2026;11(1):1-10. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11,
author = {Reinout Van Schuylenbergh and Asatur Khurshudyan and Sebastian Weber},
title = {Validity of the Calculated VO2max from Cycling Power and VLamax},
journal = {International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsspe.20261101.11},
abstract = {Current VO2max assessment methodologies are based on the usage of expensive ergospirometry devices. Available statistical models neglect the individual’s metabolic characteristics and show low accuracy. We investigated the validity of INSCYD software to calculate VO2max from the power output at all-out cycling efforts, body weight, fat percentage and Lamax as an alternative to ergospirometry. Eleven trained male volunteers performed six maximal cycling tests of 20s to 12 min duration. INSCYD software was used to model the metabolism during the tested efforts and to calculate VO2max. The calculated VO2max was compared with the measured VO2max with ergospirometry during the ramp test and the 3- and 6-min maximal efforts. Excellent agreement was achieved between the calculated and measured VO2max (ramp: -0.21 ml·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -2.46 to 2.0 mL·min-1·kg-1; 3min: -1.35 ml·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -3.04 to 0.33 mL·min-1·kg-1; 6min: 0.34 mL·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -1.01 to 1.68 mL·min-1·kg-1). A valid VO2max can be obtained from the power data of 2 maximal efforts of 3- and 6-min duration and a sprint test to calculate Lamax. This procedure can be implemented in the normal training regimen of athletes, without the need for expensive equipment. Future research should focus on testing the validity of the model on larger samples including females.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Validity of the Calculated VO2max from Cycling Power and VLamax AU - Reinout Van Schuylenbergh AU - Asatur Khurshudyan AU - Sebastian Weber Y1 - 2026/02/27 PY - 2026 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11 DO - 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11 T2 - International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education JF - International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education JO - International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2575-1611 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261101.11 AB - Current VO2max assessment methodologies are based on the usage of expensive ergospirometry devices. Available statistical models neglect the individual’s metabolic characteristics and show low accuracy. We investigated the validity of INSCYD software to calculate VO2max from the power output at all-out cycling efforts, body weight, fat percentage and Lamax as an alternative to ergospirometry. Eleven trained male volunteers performed six maximal cycling tests of 20s to 12 min duration. INSCYD software was used to model the metabolism during the tested efforts and to calculate VO2max. The calculated VO2max was compared with the measured VO2max with ergospirometry during the ramp test and the 3- and 6-min maximal efforts. Excellent agreement was achieved between the calculated and measured VO2max (ramp: -0.21 ml·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -2.46 to 2.0 mL·min-1·kg-1; 3min: -1.35 ml·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -3.04 to 0.33 mL·min-1·kg-1; 6min: 0.34 mL·min-1·kg-1, 95%CI: -1.01 to 1.68 mL·min-1·kg-1). A valid VO2max can be obtained from the power data of 2 maximal efforts of 3- and 6-min duration and a sprint test to calculate Lamax. This procedure can be implemented in the normal training regimen of athletes, without the need for expensive equipment. Future research should focus on testing the validity of the model on larger samples including females. VL - 11 IS - 1 ER -
Research Department, INSCYD GmbH, Salenstein, Switzerland
Research Department, INSCYD GmbH, Salenstein, Switzerland
Research Department, INSCYD GmbH, Salenstein, Switzerland
Information