Specificity effects of run versus cycle training on ventilatory threshold

This study compared the effects of 9 weeks of run (RT) versus cycle (CT) training on ventilatory threshold (Thv) determined during treadmill (TM) and cycle ergometer (CE) graded exercise testing. Sixteen college age men were assigned to a RT or CT group and performed a TM and a CE test before and after training. Both training groups performed similar training protocols which initially consisted of continuous exercise 4 days.week-1 at 75-80% maximum heart rate (fc, max) for 45 min. Training intensity was later increased to 80-85% fc, max and interval training (90-95% fc, max) was incorporated 2 days.week-1 into the continuous training. Both groups showed significantly improved maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) on both TM and CE tests (P < 0.01) with no significant differences between the groups. Significant Thv increases (P < 0.05) were found on TM tests for RT (n = 8) and CT (n = 8) groups [mean (SD); 443 (438) and 373 (568) ml O2 x min-1, respectively] with no difference between the groups. Results from the CE tests revealed a significant Thv increase (P < 0.01) for the CT group [566 (663) ml O2 x min-1] with no change for the RT group. The Thv improvement noted for the RT group was significantly different (P < 0.05) comparing CE with TM tests but not for the CT group. The results indicate that CT and RT improvement in Thv for runners is dependent upon mode of training and testing, and there is an apparent dissociation of VO2 max and Thv specific to training.