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Time limit and time at VO2max' during a continuous and an intermittent run
S Demarie1, J P Koralsztein, V Billat
1Laboratoire d'etude de la motricité humaine, Université Lille 2. demarie@mail.nexus.it
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|October 18, 2000
Summary
Sub-elite runners can achieve VO2max at v50%delta during both continuous and intermittent running. Intermittent exercise at this intensity improves maximal aerobic power and peak oxygen consumption with less lactate buildup.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Sub-elite runners' ability to reach VO2max at specific running intensities is key for training.
- Understanding the effects of continuous versus intermittent exercise on oxygen consumption is crucial for optimizing training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if sub-elite runners can achieve VO2max at v50%delta.
- To compare maximal/supra-maximal oxygen consumption during continuous versus intermittent exercise at v50%delta.
Main Methods:
- Subjects performed incremental tests to determine vVO2max and vLAT.
- Continuous and intermittent running exercises at v50%delta were conducted to exhaustion.
- Gas exchange, heart rate, and blood lactate were continuously monitored.
Main Results:
- Peak VO2 values exceeded VO2max in both continuous and intermittent tests.
- Intermittent exercise led to significantly higher peak VO2, longer time to exhaustion, and longer time at VO2max.
- Blood lactate accumulation was significantly lower during intermittent exercise compared to continuous exercise.
Conclusions:
- v50%delta is adequate to stimulate VO2max in both exercise modalities.
- Intermittent exercise is superior to continuous exercise for enhancing maximal aerobic power.
- Intermittent exercise allows for longer durations at VO2max and higher peak VO2 with reduced lactate accumulation.