Determining the Optimal Workrate for Cycle Ergometer Verification Phase Testing in Males with Obesity

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Determining critical power (CP) is crucial for exercise prescription in individuals with obesity.
• Verification phase (VP) testing and 3-minute all-out tests are common methods for CP assessment.
• The optimal intensity for VP testing in males with obesity remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity of VP testing and a 3-minute all-out test for CP determination in males with obesity.
• To compare maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) across different VP intensities and a ramp test.
• To investigate the influence of CP wattage percentage on VO2max during VP tests.

Main Methods:

• Nine young adult males with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg·m⁻² participated.
• Participants completed a ramp-style VO2max test, four randomized VP tests (80%, 90%, 100%, 105% of max wattage), and a 3-minute all-out test.
• VO2max was measured during all tests.

Main Results:

• A significant main effect for VO2max was observed across the five tests (p = 0.049).
• Seven out of nine participants achieved higher VO2max during VP tests compared to the ramp test.
• VO2max was significantly higher in VP tests below 130% of CP wattage (3.76 ± 0.52 L/min) compared to those above (3.36 ± 0.41 L/min).

Conclusions:

• Submaximal VP testing at 90% may yield the highest VO2max in males with obesity.
• Utilizing the percentage of CP wattage may be beneficial for determining optimal VP intensity.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and refine CP assessment protocols for this population.