Alterations in the oxygen deficit-oxygen debt relationships with beta-adrenergic receptor blockade in man

The effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade (100 mg oral metoprolol) or matched placebo on gas exchange kinetics were studied in six males. Ventilation and gas exchange were monitored in four transitions for each treatment from loadless pedalling (0 W) to a selected work rate (100 W) and back to 0 W. Breath-by-breath data were averaged for analysis. Oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics were significantly slowed at the onset of exercise and recovery by beta-blockade. This resulted in larger oxygen deficit and oxygen debt (671 +/- 115, 586 +/- 87 ml O2, respectively) for beta-blockade than for placebo (497 +/- 87, 474 +/- 104 ml O2). In addition, oxygen deficit was significantly larger than oxygen debt during beta-blockade tests. These results can be explained by greater utilization of oxygen and creatine phosphate stores as well as anaerobic glycolysis at the onset of 100 W exercise with beta-blockade. Carbon dioxide output (VCO2) kinetics were significantly slowed by beta-blockade only at the onset of exercise. Expired ventilation (VE) kinetics were not affected by beta-blockade. At 0 W, VE was significantly reduced by beta-blockade. Heart rate was lower at all times with beta-blockade. Kinetics of heart rate were not affected. These data for VO2 kinetics at the start and end of exercise indicate that even in moderate-intensity exercise, lactic acid production can contribute significantly to energy supply. The use of the term ' alactic ' to describe the deficit and debt associated with this exercise is not appropriate.