VO2max during successive maximal efforts

Abstract

The concept of VO(2)max has been a defining paradigm in exercise physiology for >75 years. Within the last decade, this concept has been both challenged and defended. The purpose of this study was to test the concept of VO(2)max by comparing VO(2) during a second exercise bout following a preliminary maximal effort exercise bout. The study had two parts. In Study #1, physically active non-athletes performed incremental cycle exercise. After 1-min recovery, a second bout was performed at a higher power output. In Study #2, competitive runners performed incremental treadmill exercise and, after 3-min recovery, a second bout at a higher speed. In Study #1 the highest VO(2) (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (3.95 +/- 0.75 vs. 4.06 +/- 0.75 l min(-1)). Maximal heart rate was not different (179 +/- 14 vs. 180 +/- 13 bpm) although maximal V(E) was higher in the second bout (141 +/- 36 vs. 151 +/- 34 l min(-1)). In Study #2 the highest VO(2) (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (4.09 +/- 0.97 vs. 4.03 +/- 1.16 l min(-1)), nor was maximal heart rate (184 + 6 vs. 181 +/- 10 bpm) or maximal V(E) (126 +/- 29 vs. 126 +/- 34 l min(-1)). The results support the concept that the highest VO(2) during a maximal incremental exercise bout is unlikely to change during a subsequent exercise bout, despite higher muscular power output. As such, the results support the "classical" view of VO(2)max.

Evaluation of true maximal oxygen uptake based on a novel set of standardized criteria

“…difference of 21 mL•min -1 (0.5%) reported in the present study, is similar to the range of mean differences (12 to 47 mL·min -1 ) reported in four studies using running (Foster et al 2007;Midgley et al 2006;Midgley et al 2007a) and cycling (Foster et al 2007;Rossiter et al 2006) protocols.…”

“…The application of currently used primary and secondary criteria in evaluating true max 2 O V  has been criticised (Misquita et al 2001;Niemela et al 1980 Thoden et al (1982), involves a single square wave bout of exercise performed shortly after the incremental phase (Thoden et al 1982). Several recent studies have investigated the utility of the verification phase for establishing true max 2 O V  (Foster et al 2007;Midgley et al 2006;Rossiter et al 2006). However, two of these studies (Foster et al 2007;Rossiter et al 2006) (Noakes 2008).…”

“…Several recent studies have investigated the utility of the verification phase for establishing true max 2 O V  (Foster et al 2007;Midgley et al 2006;Rossiter et al 2006). However, two of these studies (Foster et al 2007;Rossiter et al 2006) (Noakes 2008). The only study to-date that used a verification criterion threshold for each test concluded that further research needs to be conducted to establish appropriate verification criteria and test protocols (Midgley et al 2006).…”

Validity and Reliability Concerns Associated with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Young People with Cystic Fibrosis

“…A procedure termed the ‘supramaximal verification phase' (S max ), in which an exhaustive ramp incremental test preceding an exhaustive individualised constant work rate test at an intensity above W peak can confirm whether a ‘true' measure of V˙O 2 max has been obtained, which is fundamental to the utility of this outcome parameter in CF. Significantly, this finding is in line with data in healthy adults [10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18], children [5] and other paediatric clinical groups [19]. Although the authors present information regarding ‘was the test maximal?…”

Point:Counterpoint: Maximal oxygen uptake is/is not limited by a central nervous system governor

“…This was the case when Timothy Noakes (TN) presented the Central Governor Hypothesis (CGH) in 1997. He suggested that maximal oxygen uptake (V O 2max ) is limited by a central nervous command (6). However, it is the suggestor's absolute duty to go on and prove the theory in practical experiments in one way or another.…”