A comparison of respiratory compensation thresholds of anaerobic competitors, aerobic competitors and untrained subjects

Abstract

This study compared respiratory compensation thresholds (RCT) ( VCO(2) inflection point) of competitors in highly aerobic events (aerobic competitors, ARC) ( n=16), competitors in highly anaerobic events (anaerobic competitors, ANC) ( n=15), and untrained subjects (UT) ( n=25). Maximal oxygen consumption ( VO(2max)), respiratory compensation threshold as a percentage of VO(2max) (RCT), and VO(2) at RCT ( Vdot;O(2RCT)) were determined during a maximal Bruce treadmill protocol. VO(2max) (ml x kg(-1) min(-1)) was significantly greater ( P<0.05) for ARC [67.2 (8.5)] than for ANC [50.0 (7.8)] and UT [43.8 (5.4)]. However, the difference between ANC and UT only approached significance ( P=0.07). RCT was not significantly different between ARC [76.3 (8.7)] and ANC [80.7 (6.8)] but was significantly lower ( P<0.05) for UT [62.5 (8.8)]. VO(2RCT) (ml x kg(-1) min(-1)) was significantly greater ( P<0.05) for ARC [51.6 (11.0)] and ANC [40.2 (6.6)] than for UT [27.4 (5.4)], with a significant difference also between ARC and ANC. While used as a criterion for group assignment, greater VO(2max), as well as RCT values in ARC (vs UT), reflect chronic aerobic training adaptations. ANC demonstrated VO(2max) values intermediate to ARC and UT, with RCT very comparable to those found in ARC. The results suggest subjects competitive in highly anaerobic events do not possess excessively high VO(2max) values. These individuals, however, demonstrate a high RCT when values are expressed relative to VO(2max). Oxygen consumption at the RCT in this group is superior to that in UT but inferior to that in ARC, which likely has important implications regarding performance.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Threshold Determined by Specific Test in Judo Is Not Correlated with General Test

“…The relative aerobic and anaerobic thresholds were similar to those reported for general tests [25][26][27]. The relative intensity of specific aerobic threshold was higher than aerobic threshold determined on treadmill (65.8±7.4 vs 56.3±5.7%; P=0.0006).…”

Is aerobic endurance a determinant of cardiac autonomic regulation?

“…This submaximal capacity, named aerobic endurance, is therefore a _ VO 2 max -independent determinant of aerobic fitness (di Prampero et al 1986;Peronnet and Thibault 1989). As such it could account for the conflicting data reported in the literature on the effect of aerobic training on autonomic control of the circulation, particularly if we consider that in addition to a higher _ VO 2 max ; athletes also display higher aerobic endurance than their sedentary counterparts (Green et al 2003). If such an association between aerobic endurance and the cardiovascular autonomic control was confirmed, it would undoubtedly modify the current recommendations in terms of physical activity prescription.…”

Effects of Infrared-LED Illumination Applied During High-Intensity Treadmill Training in Postmenopausal Women

“…For the maximal effort test using the treadmill, continuous function protocol (Modified Bruce Protocol) was used. 25,26 The initial stage was set at 0% of inclination and speed of 1.7 mph or 2.7 Km/h. Two stages later, the slope was increased to 5% and the rate kept at 1.7 mph (2.7 Km/h).…”