Including supramaximal verification reduced uncertainty in VO_2peak response rate

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Background:

• VO2max verification is crucial for accurately assessing cardiorespiratory fitness.
• The impact of verification phases on individual responses to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is not well understood.
• Accurate measurement of VO2peak is essential for evaluating training adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of same-day and separate-day supramaximal verification phases on VO2peak measurement.
• To determine the effect of verification phases on typical error (TE) and response rates to HIIT.
• To compare the efficacy of different verification strategies in estimating individual responses to exercise interventions.

Main Methods:

• Repeated VO2peak measurements using incremental tests (INCR) with and without supramaximal verification (INCR+).
• Participants underwent 4 weeks of HIIT or a control period (n=25 HIIT, n=9 control).
• Analysis of typical error (TE), confidence interval (CI) widths, and response rates using different thresholds.

Main Results:

• Supramaximal verification consistently reduced TE and CI widths.
• Response rates increased significantly with the incorporation of one or two verification phases.
• Same-day verification (INCR1+) demonstrated the greatest reduction in CI widths compared to separate-day testing (INCR2+).

Conclusions:

• Supramaximal verification phases reduce random variability in VO2peak measurements.
• Incorporating a same-day verification phase is recommended to minimize uncertainty in VO2peak response estimation.
• This approach enhances the accuracy of determining individual responses to HIIT programs.