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Published on: January 28, 2020
A new VO₂max protocol allowing self-pacing in maximal incremental exercise
Alexis R Mauger1, Nick Sculthorpe
1Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue, Bedford, BEDS, MK41 9EA, UK. Lex.Mauger@beds.ac.uk
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 21, 2011
Summary
A new self-paced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) protocol resulted in higher VO2max values compared to traditional tests. This innovative method offers a more ecologically valid approach to assessing exercise capacity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment
Background:
- Traditional maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) protocols face criticism for lacking ecological validity and inconsistent results.
- Protocol duration and work rate increments can influence VO2max measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a novel VO2max protocol where subjects self-pace their work rate.
- To maintain an incremental test structure within the self-paced protocol.
Main Methods:
- 16 untrained subjects underwent both a self-paced VO2max (SPV) and a traditional VO2max test.
- The SPV involved 5x2-min stages with incremental 'clamps' of perceived exertion (RPE), allowing subjects to adjust power output (PO).
Main Results:
- Subjects achieved significantly higher VO2max values (40 vs 37 ml/kg/min) and peak POs (273 vs 238 W) with the SPV.
- Higher VO2max was observed in SPV even when a plateau was reached in the traditional test.
- No significant differences were found in minute ventilation, heart rate, or respiratory exchange ratio between protocols.
Conclusions:
- The self-paced VO2max (SPV) protocol is a closed-loop, 10-min test that eliminates the need for experimenter estimation of test parameters.
- The SPV may elicit higher VO2max values, suggesting potential as a standard measure.
- Further research is warranted to explore the SPV's efficacy and standardization.
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