Prediction of Maximal Heart Rate in Children and Adolescents

Objective: To identify a method to predict the maximal heart rate (MHR) in children and adolescents, as available prediction equations developed for adults have a low accuracy in children. We hypothesized that MHR may be influenced by resting heart rate, anthropometric factors, or fitness level. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Sports medicine center in primary care. Participants: Data from 627 treadmill maximal exercise tests performed by 433 pediatric athletes (age 13.7 ± 2.1 years, 70% males) were analyzed. Independent Variables: Age, sex, sport type, stature, body mass, BMI, body fat, fitness level, resting, and MHR were recorded. Main Outcome Measures: To develop a prediction equation for MHR in youth, using stepwise multivariate linear regression and linear mixed model. To determine correlations between existing prediction equations and pediatric MHR. Results: Observed MHR was 197 ± 8.6 b·min−1. Regression analysis revealed that resting heart rate, fitness, body mass, and fat percent were predictors of MHR (R2 = 0.25, P
Source: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research