LAUSR

Peak oxygen uptake (˙VO 2peak ) is an important factor contributing to running performance. Wearable technology may allow the assessment of ˙VO 2peak more frequently and on a larger scale. We aim to i) validate the ˙VO 2peak assessed by a smartwatch (Garmin Forerunner 245), and ii) discuss how this parameter may assist to evaluate and guide training procedures. A total of 23 runners (12 female, 11 male; ˙VO 2peak : 48.6±6.8 ml∙min −1 ∙kg −1 ) visited the laboratory twice to determine their ˙VO 2peak during a treadmill ramp test. Between laboratory visits, participants wore a smartwatch and performed three outdoor runs to obtain ˙VO 2peak values provided by the smartwatch. The ˙VO 2peak obtained by the criterion measure ranged from 38 to 61 ml∙min −1 ∙kg −1 . The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the smartwatch and the criterion ˙VO 2peak was 5.7%. The criterion measure revealed a coefficient of variation of 4.0% over the VO2peak range from 38–61 ml∙min −1 ∙kg −1 . MAPE between the smartwatch and criterion measure was 7.1, 4.1 and −6.2% when analyzing ˙VO 2peak ranging from 39–45 ml∙min −1 ∙kg −1 , 45–55 ml∙min −1 ∙kg −1 or 55–61 ml∙min −1 ∙kg −1 , respectively.