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Comparison between continuous and discontinuous incremental treadmill test to assess velocity at V̇O2max
Andrea Riboli1, Emiliano Cè1, Susanna Rampichini1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|April 14, 2016
Summary
Continuous ramp tests yield higher velocity at maximum aerobic power (vV̇O2max) than square wave tests. These differences in vV̇O2max assessment impact training intensity and should be considered for exercise prescription.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Background:
- Velocity at maximum aerobic power (vV̇O2max) is crucial for setting exercise workloads.
- Testing protocols can influence vV̇O2max measurements, affecting training intensity.
- Comparing different treadmill testing modalities is essential for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare vV̇O2max assessment between continuous incremental ramp and discontinuous square wave (SW) protocols on a treadmill.
- To evaluate the impact of different ramp slopes on vV̇O2max.
- To determine if testing modality affects other physiological parameters like maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max).
Main Methods:
- Seventeen physically active participants underwent three maximal incremental treadmill tests.
- Tests included two continuous ramp protocols (R1 and R2) and one discontinuous SW protocol.
- Cardiorespiratory and metabolic data were collected breath-by-breath during all tests.
Main Results:
- vV̇O2max was significantly higher in both ramp protocols (R1, R2) compared to the SW protocol.
- No significant differences were observed in V̇O2max, ventilation, CO2 production, blood lactate, or heart rate among the protocols.
- Ramp protocols resulted in higher vV̇O2max values (20.7±0.5 km/h for R1, 18.6±0.4 km/h for R2) than SW (16.8±0.6 km/h).
Conclusions:
- Continuous ramp tests provide higher vV̇O2max values than SW protocols, despite similar V̇O2max.
- The discrepancy may stem from longer adjustment times in ramp tests, potentially involving different metabolic pathways.
- Consideration of testing modality is vital when using vV̇O2max for training intensity prescription.
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