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Physiological responses during exercise to exhaustion at critical power
G Brickley1, J Doust, C A Williams
1Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, BN20 7SP, UK. g.brickley@brighton.ac.uk
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|November 19, 2002
Summary
Critical power (CP) exercise does not represent a sustainable intensity for well-trained individuals. Physiological responses like heart rate and blood lactate significantly change during exercise at CP.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Critical Power (CP) is a theoretical concept from constant load tests to exhaustion.
- Existing research often focuses on CP derivation methodology, with less on physiological responses during CP exercise in trained individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological responses during exercise performed at Critical Power (CP) in well-trained male subjects.
Main Methods:
- Seven well-trained male subjects underwent constant load tests to determine CP.
- Subjects then exercised at their determined CP until volitional exhaustion.
- Measurements included heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate concentration.
Main Results:
- Significant changes over time were observed in heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate concentration.
- All subjects exercised for at least 20 minutes at CP, with time to exhaustion ranging from 20 to 40 minutes.
- A significant correlation was found between time to failure and maximum oxygen uptake (r = 0.779, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Critical Power (CP) does not represent a sustainable steady-state exercise intensity.
- Physiological parameters indicate a progressive increase in exercise stress during CP exercise.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of CP for training and performance.