Aerobic Exercise Training and VO_2max: A Scoping Review of Study Populations and Protocols

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Sports Science

Background:

• Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) is a key indicator of health and mortality risk.
• Existing reviews often focus narrowly on aerobic exercise training effects, not the broader research landscape.
• A comprehensive understanding of VO2max responses requires examining diverse populations and training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of studies investigating maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) and aerobic exercise training.
• To summarize participant demographics, exercise interventions, and methodological reporting across the literature.
• To identify critical gaps in current research regarding VO2max adaptations to exercise training.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search and analysis of 617 studies related to VO2max and aerobic training.
• Categorization of studies based on exercise modality (MICT, HIIT, SIT, combined).
• Analysis of participant sex representation, intervention duration, and data reporting completeness.

Main Results:

• Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) was the most common protocol (n=363).
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT; n=102) and sprint interval training (SIT; n=70) were less frequent.
• Significant gaps exist in reporting participant health (n=169) and physical activity status (n=290), with many studies lacking diverse sex representation (male-only: n=264; female-only: n=83) and focusing on short interventions (<3 months).

Conclusions:

• The current literature on VO2max and aerobic training is characterized by a predominance of MICT, limited exploration of HIIT/SIT, and insufficient diversity in participant sex representation.
• Short intervention durations and inadequate reporting of participant characteristics hinder a comprehensive understanding of VO2max adaptations.
• Future research should prioritize diverse exercise modalities, long-term training effects, balanced sex representation, and improved reporting standards to address critical knowledge gaps.