Predicting VO_2max in Master Swimmers: A Validation Study of the 200 m Front Crawl Test

This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of peak oxygen uptake (V̇O₂peak) elicited during a 200-m front crawl test (T200) for predicting maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) in master swimmers. Twenty-one master swimmers (age = 46.1 ± 13.7 years; World Aquatics Performance = 345 ± 28 points) completed two protocols: a 200-m all-out test (T200) and an incremental intermittent swimming test (ISST; n x 200-m) as a reference. Respiratory variables (VO₂, V̇CO₂, VE) were measured directly using a portable gas analyzer, heart rate was monitored, and stroke kinematics were evaluated via video analysis. Mean performance times were 186.7 ± 33.4 s (T200) and 193.5 ± 34.0 s (final repetition of the ISST). Cardiorespiratory fitness values reached 45.9 ± 8.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (V̇O₂peak) and 44.2 ± 8.2 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (VO_2max), with no significant differences observed between protocols for VO₂, V̇CO₂, or VE (p > 0.05). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated strong agreement between measurements, and a significant intraclass correlation was found (VO₂ ICC = 0.74; p = 0.002). The T200 is a valid, practical, and time-efficient field-based method for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. Its strong agreement with the ISST supports its use for estimating VO_2max, thereby facilitating accurate training prescriptions and health assessments for master swimmers.