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What limits [V(·)]O(2max)? A symposium held at the BASES Conference, 6 September 2010

N C Spurway1, B Ekblom, T D Noakes

  • 1College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. neil.spurway@glasgow.ac.uk

Journal of Sports Sciences
|February 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The factors limiting oxygen uptake in humans are debated. While cardiac output was long considered key, new research suggests cerebral oxygenation may also play a significant role, even at sea level.

Area of Science:

  • Exercise Physiology
  • Human Physiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Historically, A. V. Hill's concept influenced understanding of oxygen uptake.
  • Cardiac output has been the predominant view for limiting maximal oxygen uptake.
  • Recent research challenges the sole reliance on cardiac output as the limiting factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review modern perspectives on factors limiting maximal oxygen uptake.
  • To contrast current views with historical concepts.
  • To investigate the role of cerebral oxygenation in oxygen uptake limitations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary research.
  • Analysis of algebraic models of oxygen transport.
  • Consideration of evidence from quadruped studies and high-altitude research.

Main Results:

  • Cardiac output is widely accepted as a key determinant of maximal oxygen uptake.
  • Algebraic analyses show all oxygen transport stages influence uptake.
  • Evidence suggests cerebral oxygenation may limit uptake, particularly at reduced oxygen availability.

Conclusions:

  • No definitive consensus exists on the primary factor limiting maximal oxygen uptake.
  • Both somatic factors (like cardiac output) and central factors (like cerebral oxygenation) are implicated.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay of factors affecting oxygen uptake.

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