Abstract
Maximal aerobic capacity (VO 2 max) is one of the important factors that influence swimming performance. Currently, the Garmin Forerunner Fitness Watch 935 used to measure VO 2 max are expensive, require skilled-trained personnel, not feasible for large-scale use, and land-based, which will not be accurate in measuring water-based activity. In order to measure the swimming performance, there is a need for an affordable, feasible, and reliable device. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the intra- rater reliability of Garmin Forerunner Fitness Watch 935 accuracy in measuring the VO 2 max among collegiate swimmers during the 200m swimming task. The VO 2 max measurement of 10 collegiate swimmers was taken with Garmin Forerunner for two trials. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurements (SEMs), and Bland-Altman plot was used in the current study to establish the inter-rater reliability measurement. The intra-rater reliability of Garmin Forerunner showed high reliability and accuracy with an intra-class correlation coefficient (2,1) of 0.869 and standard error of measurements of 0.231 ml/kg/min. Further, the results were strengthened with Bland-Altman plot showed an acceptable agreement between the two trials. The Garmin Forerunner would be a simple, objective and useful device to be used by physiotherapists, trainers and other sports-related disciplines to assess and improve the swimming performance by targeting the heart rate and VO 2 max.
Description
The study examines the reliability of Garmin Forerunner 935 in measuring VO2 max among collegiate swimmers.