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Prolonged incremental tests do not necessarily compromise VO2max in well-trained athletes
S J Pierce1, A G Hahn, A Davie
1Department of Physiology and Applied Nutrition, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|March 10, 2000
Summary
For trained rowers, discontinuous tests for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) lasting 3-4 minutes per stage are valid. Shorter continuous tests are also valid, but longer discontinuous tests may underestimate VO2max.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Traditional VO2max testing protocols recommend 8-12 minutes, based on non-athletic populations.
- Trained athletes may tolerate longer exercise durations, potentially validating different VO2max testing protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the validity of different incremental rowing ergometer test protocols for measuring VO2max in trained rowers.
- To compare continuous and discontinuous VO2max testing protocols with varying stage durations.
Main Methods:
- Eleven trained rowers (8 males, 3 females) completed four randomized incremental tests on a rowing ergometer.
- Tests included one continuous (1-minute increments) and three discontinuous protocols (7 stages with 1-minute recovery, 3, 4, or 5-minute stage durations).
Main Results:
- VO2max values were similar for continuous (IT1MIN), 3-minute (IT3MIN), and 4-minute (IT4MIN) discontinuous protocols.
- A 5-minute discontinuous protocol (IT5MIN) yielded significantly lower VO2max values (p<0.05).
- Peak blood lactate was consistent across protocols, while IT1MIN showed lower peak heart rates and higher respiratory exchange ratios.
Conclusions:
- Discontinuous VO2max testing protocols with 7 stages of 3-4 minute duration are valid for trained rowers.
- These findings challenge the traditional 8-12 minute duration recommendation for VO2max testing in elite athletes.