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Oxygen uptake response to an 800-m running race
1Laboratoire de Biomécanique et de Physiologie, Institut National des Sports et de l'Education Physique, Paris, France. thomasclaire@wanadoo.fr
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 30, 2005
Summary
Middle-distance runners quickly reach maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during a supramaximal 800m race. Oxygen uptake then plateaus, limited by VO2max, before unexpectedly decreasing near the finish.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Understanding oxygen uptake kinetics during high-intensity exercise is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
- Previous studies have primarily investigated oxygen uptake during laboratory-based exercise protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that oxygen uptake (VO2) during a field-based supramaximal 800m run is driven towards maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).
- To examine the time course and limitations of VO2 during a real-world middle-distance running event.
Main Methods:
- Five middle-distance male runners completed a VO2max test and a supramaximal 800m run on an outdoor track.
- Oxygen uptake (VO2) was continuously measured using a portable telemetric gas exchange system (Cosmed K4).
Main Results:
- VO2max was attained approximately 45 seconds into the 800m race, at an intensity of 120% VO2max.
- Oxygen uptake remained near VO2max for approximately 33 seconds before a significant decrease was observed in the final stages of the race.
- This decrease in VO2 (24.1%) occurred during the last 38 seconds of the 800m run.
Conclusions:
- During supramaximal 800m running, oxygen uptake rapidly approaches and is limited by VO2max.
- A notable decrease in oxygen uptake occurs towards the end of the race, contrasting with some laboratory findings.
- These findings highlight unique physiological responses during field-based high-intensity exercise.