A reliable and valid protocol for measuring maximal oxygen uptake in pigs.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Adaptation
• Animal Models

Background:

• Rodent models provide limited insight into human cardiac adaptation due to physiological differences.
• Larger animal models are needed to study exercise-induced cardiac adaptations.
• Robust testing protocols are essential for quantifying cardio-respiratory fitness outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a valid and reproducible protocol for measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in young pigs.
• To determine the influence of treadmill inclination on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and true VO2max.
• To establish optimal testing procedures for exercise studies in pigs.

Main Methods:

• Eight young pigs were utilized in the study.
• Submaximal and peak oxygen uptake were measured at five different treadmill inclinations (13-30 degrees).
• Test-retest reliability was assessed for VO2peak and submaximal VO2 at various inclinations.

Main Results:

• Excellent test-retest reliability was observed for submaximal VO2 across all inclinations (r=0.99).
• Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was dependent on treadmill inclination.
• The true maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was only achieved at a 24-degree incline.
• Significant test-retest correlation for VO2peak was found only at 19 and 24-degree inclinations.

Conclusions:

• Inaccurate treadmill inclination can obscure training-induced adaptations by failing to reach true VO2max.
• The developed test protocol provides a reliable method for measuring submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake in pigs.
• This protocol can be applied to future treadmill exercise studies in pigs to accurately assess physiological responses.