Whitworth, J., Layton, A. M., & Garber, C. E. (2013). Associations between BMI and exercise capacity in female cyclists and triathletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 612.

This study investigate whether Body Mass Index is associated with exercise capacity in non-elite female endurance athletes (N = 30; cyclists and triathletes). Ss erformed a maximal oxygen uptake cycle ergometer test (VO2max). Height (Ht) and Weight (Wt) were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. Maximal watts (MW), VO2max (ml/kg/min), Wt-adjusted VO2max (AdjVO2max; ml/min/kg-0.32) were determined. The relationship between BMI and VO2max were investigated with linear and nonlinear regression.

A nonlinear regression analysis using BMI as the independent variable identified a significant quadratic relationship for adjusted relative VO2max.

Implication. This study demonstrated that in non-elite female endurance athletes, Body Mass Index is a predictor of exercise capacity, but the associations between BMI and VO2max are complex.

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