Fitness level and postexercise energy expenditure

This study was designed to investigate the effect of fitness level on excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in five endurance trained and five sedentary male volunteers. The possible influence of differences in body weight and exercise energy expenditure were controlled by employing a weight-supported (cycle ergometer), 300 kilocalorie exercise. Exercise intensity was equal to 50% of each subject's previously determined peak oxygen uptake (VO2). VO2 was measured for 1 hr prior to exercise to establish the baseline value, and continuously in the postexercise period until the baseline value was achieved. Duration of EPOC was 16.6 +/- 3.1 minutes and 20.4 +/- 7.8 minutes in the fit and unfit groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Magnitude of EPOC, which was not significantly different between the groups, averaged 12.2 +/- 3.1 kcal in the fit and 12.2 +/- 4.3 kcal in the unfit group. The results suggest that EPOC following a weight-supported exercise of an intensity and duration frequently used by individuals who begin an exercise program for weight control is not compromised by differences in body weight or fitness level.