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New and old in pediatric exercise physiology
1Children's Exercise & Nutrition Centre, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Baror@fhs.mcmaster.ca
Insights
Pediatric exercise physiology research often misses prior findings. This review highlights key areas like maximal oxygen uptake criteria and energy costs in children to prevent redundant research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Previous research in pediatric exercise physiology is sometimes overlooked by current researchers.
- This oversight can lead to the rediscovery of established findings, hindering scientific progress.
- A review of specific topics is needed to consolidate existing knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide examples of previously published findings in pediatric exercise physiology that are often overlooked.
- To consolidate understanding on critical topics within the field.
- To prevent unnecessary duplication of research efforts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on specific, often overlooked, findings in pediatric exercise physiology.
- Analysis of existing studies concerning maximal oxygen uptake (O2 uptake) criteria.
- Examination of research on substrate utilization, blood lactate, locomotion costs, and cardiovascular responses in children.
Main Results:
- The O2 uptake plateau is not always a necessary criterion for establishing maximal O2 uptake in children.
- Children exhibit greater fat utilization during prolonged exercise compared to adults.
- Children present lower maximal blood lactate levels and a higher metabolic cost of locomotion.
- Pediatric cardiovascular responses, including cardiac output and stroke volume, are lower at any given O2 uptake.
Conclusions:
- Reiteration of established findings in pediatric exercise physiology is crucial.
- Awareness of prior research can guide future studies more effectively.
- Consolidating knowledge ensures a more efficient progression of the field.
Abstract:
Researchers in pediatric exercise physiology sometimes overlook previously published findings that are similar, or even identical, to their own. The intent of this review is to provide examples for the above pattern. These examples relate to the following topics: 1) is the O2 uptake plateau a necessary criterion for the establishment of maximal O2 uptake in children? 2) children's greater utilization of fat during prolonged exercise, 3) children's lower maximal blood lactate levels, 4) the higher metabolic energy cost of locomotion in children and the possible causes for this phenomenon, and 5) the lower cardiac output and stroke volume in children, at any given O2 uptake.