Objectives To cross-validate the existing peak rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) prediction equations in Dutch law enforcement officers and to determine whether these prediction equations can be used to predict VO₂ₚₑₐₖ for groups and in a single individual. A further objective was to report normative absolute and relative VO₂ₚₑₐₖ values of a sample of law enforcement officers in the Netherlands. Material and Methods The peak rate of oxygen consumption (ml×kg⁻¹×min⁻¹) was measured using a maximal incremental bicycle test in 1530 subjects, including 1068 male and 461 female police officers. Validity of the prediction equations for groups was assessed by comparing predicted VO₂ₚₑₐₖ with measured VO₂ₚₑₐₖ using paired t-tests. For individual differences limits of agreement (LoA) were calculated. Equations were considered valid for individuals when the difference between measured and predicted VO₂ₚₑₐₖ did not exceed ±1 metabolic equivalent (MET) in 95% of individuals. Results None of the equations met the validity criterion of 95% of individuals having ±1 MET difference or less than the measured value. Limits of agreement (LoAs) were large in all predictions. At the individual level, none of the equations were valid predictors of VO₂ₚₑₐₖ (ml×kg⁻¹×min⁻¹). Normative values for Dutch law enforcement officers were presented. Conclusions Substantial differences between measured and predicted VO₂ₚₑₐₖ (ml×kg⁻¹×min⁻¹) were found. Most tested equations were invalid predictors of VO₂ₚₑₐₖ at group level and all were invalid at individual levels.
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