Maximal oxygen uptake versus maximal power output in children

Maximal oxygen uptake VO(2max)) is considered the optimal method to assess aerobic fitness. The measurement of VO(2max), however, requires special equipment and training. Maximal exercise testing with determination of maximal power output offers a more simple approach. This study explores the relationship between [Vdot]O(2max) and maximal power output in 247 children (139 boys and 108 girls) aged 7.9-11.1 years. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by indirect calorimetry during a maximal ergometer exercise test with an initial workload of 30 W and 15 W x min(-1) increments. Maximal power output was also measured. A sample (n = 124) was used to calculate reference equations, which were then validated using another sample (n = 123). The linear reference equation for both sexes combined was: VO(2max) (ml x min(-1)) = 96 + 10.6 x maximal power + 3.5 . body mass. Using this reference equation, estimated VO(2max) per unit of body mass (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) calculated from maximal power correlated closely with the direct measurement of VO(2max) (r = 0.91, P <0.001). Bland-Altman analysis gave a mean limits of agreement of 0.2+/-2.9 (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) (1 s). Our results suggest that maximal power output serves as a good surrogate measurement for VO(2max) in population studies of children aged 8-11 years.     

Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake in sedentary males from a perceptually regulated, sub-maximal graded exercise test

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of predicting the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(max)) of sedentary men from sub-maximal VO2 values obtained during a perceptually regulated exercise test. Thirteen healthy, sedentary males aged 29-52 years completed five graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer. The first and fifth test involved a graded exercise test to determine VO2(max). The two maximal graded exercise tests were separated by three sub-maximal graded exercise tests, perceptually regulated at 3-min RPE intensities of 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 on the Borg ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, in that order. After confirmation that individual linear regression models provided the most appropriate fit to the data, the regression lines for the perceptual ranges 9-17, 9-15, and 11-17 were extrapolated to RPE 20 to predict VO2(max). There were no significant differences between VO2(max) values from the graded exercise tests (mean 43.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 6.3) and predicted VO2(max) values for the perceptual ranges 9-17 (40.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 2.2) and RPE 11-17 (42.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 2.3) across the three trials. The predicted VO2(max) from the perceptual range 9-15 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) (37.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 2.3). The intra-class correlation coefficients between actual and predicted VO2(max) for RPE 9-17 and RPE 11-17 across trials ranged from 0.80 to 0.87. Limits of agreement analysis on actual and predicted VO2 values (bias +/- 1.96 x S(diff)) were 3.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (+/- 10.7), 2.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (+/- 9.9), and 3.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (+/- 12.8) (trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively) of RPE range 9-17. Results suggest that a sub-maximal, perceptually guided graded exercise test provides acceptable estimates of VO2(max) in young to middle-aged sedentary males.     

Relationship between maximal oxygen uptake and oxygen uptake attained during treadmill middle-distance running

Traditionally, it has been assumed that during middle-distance running oxygen uptake (VO2) reaches its maximal value (VO2max) providing the event is of a sufficient duration; however, this assumption is largely based on observations in individuals with a relatively low VO2max. The aim of this study was to determine whether VO2max is related to the VO2 attained (i.e. VO2peak) during middle-distance running on a treadmill. Fifteen well-trained male runners (age 23.3 +/- 3.8 years, height 1.80 +/- 0.10 m, body mass 76.9 +/- 10.6 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. The participants undertook two 800-m trials to examine the reproducibility of the VO2 response. These two trials, together with a progressive test to determine VO2max, were completed in a randomized order. Oxygen uptake was determined throughout each test using 15-s Douglas bag collections. Following the application of a 30-s rolling average, the highest VO2 during the progressive test (i.e. VO2max) was compared with the highest VO2 during the 800-m trials (i.e. VO2peak) to examine the relationship between VO2max and the VO2 attained in the 800-m trials. For the 15 runners, VO2max was 58.9 +/- 7.1 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1). Two groups were formed using a median split based on VO2max. For the high and low VO2max groups, VO2max was 65.7 +/- 3.0 and 52.4 +/- 1.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) respectively. The limits of agreement (95%) for test-retest reproducibility for the VO2 attained during the 800-m trials were +/- 3.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) for a VO2peak of 50.6 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (the mean VO2peak for the low VO2max group) and +/- 2.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) for a VO2peak of 59.0 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (the mean VO2peak for the high VO2max group), with a bias in VO2peak between the 800-m runs (i.e. the mean difference) of 1.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1). The VO2peak for the 800-m runs was 54.8 +/- 4.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) for all 15 runners. For the high and low VO2max groups, VO2peak was 59.0 +/- 3.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (i.e. 90% VO2max) and 50.6 +/- 2.0 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (i.e. 97% VO2max) respectively. The negative relationship (-0.77) between VO2max and % VO2max attained for all 15 runners was significant (P = 0.001). These results demonstrate that (i) reproducibility is good and (ii) that VO2max is related to the %VO2max achieved, with participants with a higher VO2max achieving a lower %VO2max in an 800-m trial on a treadmill.     

Validation of a single-stage submaximal treadmill walking test

The single-stage treadmill walking test of Ebbeling et al. is commonly used to predict maximal oxygen consumption (.VO(2max)) from a submaximal effort between 50% and 70% of the participant's age-predicted maximum heart rate. The purpose of this study was to determine if this submaximal test correctly predicts .VO(2max) at the low (50% of maximum heart rate) and high (70% of maximum heart rate) ends of the specified heart rate range for males and females aged 18 - 55 years. Each of the 34 participants completed one low-intensity and one high-intensity trial. The two trials resulted in significantly different estimates of .VO(2max) (low-intensity trial: mean 40.5 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1), s = 9.3; high-intensity trial: 47.5 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1), s = 8.8; P < 0.01). A subset of 22 participants concluded their second trial with a .VO(2max) test (mean 47.9 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1), s = 8.9). The low-intensity trial underestimated (mean difference = -3.5 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); 95% CI = -6.4 to -0.6 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); P = 0.02) and the high-intensity trial overestimated (mean difference = 3.5 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); 95% CI = 1.1 to 6.0 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); P = 0.01) the measured .VO(2max). The predictive validity of Ebbeling and colleagues' single-stage submaximal treadmill walking test is diminished when performed at the extremes of the specified heart rate range.     

An accurate VO2max nonexercise regression model for 18-65-year-old adults

The purpose of this study was to develop a regression equation to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) based on nonexercise (N-EX) data. All participants (N = 100), ages 18-65 years, successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to assess VO2max (M = 39.96 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), SD = 9.54). The N-EX data collected just before the maximal GXT included the participant's age; gender; body mass index (BMI); perceived functional ability (PFA) to walk, jog, or run given distances; and current physical activity (PA-R) level. Multiple linear regression generated the following N-EX prediction equation (R = .93, SEE = 3.45 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), % SEE = 8.62): VO2max (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) = 48.0730 + (6.1779 x gender; women = 0, men = 1) - (0. 2463 x age) - (0.6186 x BMI) + (0.7115 x PFA) + (0.6709 x PA-R). Cross validation using PRESS (predicted residual sum of squares) statistics revealed minimal shrinkage (R(p) = .91 and SEE(p) = 3.63 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)); thus, this model should yield acceptable accuracy when applied to an independent sample of adults (ages 18-65 years) with a similar cardiorespiratory fitness level. Based on standardized beta-weights, the PFA variable (0.41) was the most effective at predicting VO2max followed by age (-0.34), gender (0.33), BMI (-0.27), and PA-R (0.16). This study provides a N-EX regression model that yields relatively accurate results and is a convenient way to predict VO2max in adult men and women.     

Prediction of maximum oxygen consumption from walking, jogging, or running

The purpose of this study was to develop a submaximal, 1.5-mile endurance test for college-aged students using walking, jogging, or running exercise. College students (N = 101: 52 men, 47 women), ages 18-26years, successfully completed the 1.5-mile test twice, and a maximal graded exercise test. Participants were instructed to achieve a "somewhat hard" exercise intensity (rating of perceived exertion = 13) and maintain a steady pace throughout each 1.5-mile test. Multiple linear regression generated the following prediction equation: VO2 max = 65.404 + 7.707 x gender (1 = male; 0 =female) - 0.159 x body mass (kg) - 0.843 x elapsed exercise time (min; walking, jogging orrunning). This equation shows acceptable validity (R = .86, SEE = 3.37 ml x kg(-1) min(-1)) similar to the accuracy of comparable field tests, and reliability (ICC = .93) is also comparable to similar models. The statistical shrinkage is minimal (R(press) = 0.85, SEE(press) = 3.51 ml x kg(-) x min(-1)); hence, it should provide comparable results when applied to other similar samples. A regression model (R =.90, and SEE = 2.87 ml x kg(-1) min(-1)) including exercise heart rate was also developed: VO2 max = 100.162 +/- 7.301 x gender(1 = male; 0 =female) - 0.164 x body mass (kg) - 1.273 x elapsed exercise time -0.156 x exercise heart rate, for those who have access to electronic heart rate monitors. This submaximal 1.5-mile test accurately predicts maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) without measuring heart rate and is similar to the 1.5-mile run in that it allowsfor mass testing and requires only a flat, measured distance and a stopwatch. Further, it can accommodate a wide range of fitness levels (from walkers to runners).     

Temporal aspects of the VO2 response at the power output associated with VO2peak in well trained cyclists--implications for interval training prescription

The power output achieved at peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and the time this power can be maintained (i.e., Tmax) have been used in prescribing high-intensity interval training. In this context, the present study examined temporal aspects of the VO2 response to exercise at the cycling power that output well trained cyclists achieve their VO2peak (i.e., Pmax). Following a progressive exercise test to determine VO2peak, 43 well trained male cyclists (M age = 25 years, SD = 6; M mass = 75 kg, SD = 7; M VO2peak = 64.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), SD = 5.2) performed two Tmax tests 1 week apart. Values expressed for each participant are means and standard deviations of these two tests. Participants achieved a mean VO2peak during the Tmax test after 176 s (SD = 40; M = 74% of Tmax, SD = 12) and maintained it for 66 s (SD = 39; M = 26% of Tmax, SD = 12). Additionally, they obtained mean 95% of VO2peak after 147 s (SD = 31; M = 62% of Tmax, SD = 8) and maintained it for 95 s (SD = 38; M = 38% of Tmax, SD = 8). These results suggest that 60-70% of Tmax is an appropriate exercise duration for a population of well trained cyclists to attain VO2peak during exercise at Pmax. However, due to intraparticipant variability in the temporal aspects of the VO2 response to exercise at Pmax, future research is needed to examine whether individual high-intensity interval training programs for well trained endurance athletes might best be prescribed according to an athlete's individual VO2 response to exercise at Pmax.     

Field testing of physiological responses associated with Nordic Walking

This study compared the physiological responses (oxygen consumption and energy expenditure) of Nordic Walking to regular walking under field-testing conditions. Eleven women (M age = 27.1 years, SD = 6.4) and 11 men (M age = 33.8 years, SD = 9.0) walked 1,600 m with and without walking poles on a level, 200-m track. For women, Nordic Walking resulted in increased oxygen consumption (M = 14.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), SD = 3.2 vs. M = 1 7.9 ml x kg(-1) min(-1), SD = 3.5; p < .001), caloric expenditure (M = 4.6 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.2 vs. M = 5.4 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.2; p < .001), and heart rate (M = 113.7 bpm, SD = 12.0 vs. M = 118.7 bpm, SD = 14.8; p < .05) compared to regular walking. For men, Nordic Walking resulted in increased oxygen consumption (M = 12.8 ml x kg(-1) min(-1), SD = 1.8 vs. M = 15.5, SD =3.4 ml x kg(-1) min(-1); p < .01), caloric expenditure (M = 5.7 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.3 vs. M = 6.9 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.8; p < .001), and heart rate (M = 101.6 bpm, SD = 12.0 bpm vs. M = 109.8 bpm, SD = 14.7; p < .01) compared to regular walking. Nordic Walking, examined in the field, results in a significant increase in oxygen use and caloric expenditure compared to regular walking, without significantly increasing perceived exertion.     

Relationship of running economy, ventilatory threshold, and maximal oxygen consumption to running performance in high school females

The purpose of the study was to relate three determinants of distance running success, (a) maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), (b) ventilatory threshold (VT), and (c) running economy (RE), to actual running time in a 5-km race (ART). Twenty-four female runners (M age = 15.9 years) from four high school teams that competed at the Massachusetts All-State 5-km Cross Country Championship Meet and placed 1st, 7th, 19th, and 20th were tested in the laboratory. The mean VO2max of these runners was 61.7 ml.kg-1.min-1, HRmax 201 b.min-1, VEmax 100 L.min-1, and RER 1.10. The VT occurred at 79% of the VO2max, and HR of 184 b.min-1 (92% of HRmax). The velocity at VT (vVT) and velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) was correlated with ART, r(22) = .78 and .77 (p less than .001), respectively. The VO2 at VT and at maximal exercise was correlated with ART by r(22) = -.66 and -.69 (p less than .001), respectively. The VO2 at 215 m.min-1 (8 mph) was poorly related to ART, r(22) = -.05, p greater than .05. It was concluded that either of the derived variables vVT and vVO2max appear to explain significant variation in distance running performance among adolescent female cross country runners.     

Cardiopulmonary loading in motocross riding

The present study was designed to examine physiological responses during motocross riding. Nine Finnish A-level motocross riders performed a 15-min ride at a motocross track and a test of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in the laboratory. Cardiopulmonary strain was measured continuously during the ride as well as in the VO2max test. During the ride, mean VO2 was 32 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (s = 4), which was 71% (s = 12) of maximum, while ventilation (V(E)) was 73% (s = 15) of its maximum. The relative VO2 and V(E) values during the riding correlated with successful riding performance (r = 0.80, P < 0.01 and r = 0.79, P < 0.01, respectively). Mean heart rate was maintained at 95% (s = 7) of its maximum. Mean blood lactate concentration was 5.0 mmol x l(-1) (s = 2.0) after the ride. A reduction of 16% (P < 0.001) in maximal isometric handgrip force was observed. In conclusion, motocross causes riders great physical stress. Both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism is required for the isometric and dynamic muscle actions experienced during a ride.     

A modified incremental shuttle run test for the determination of peak shuttle running speed and the prediction of maximal oxygen uptake.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of subject drop-out on a multi-stage shuttle run test and a modified incremental shuttle run test in which speed was increased by 0.014 m x s(-1) every 20-m shuttle to avoid the need for verbal speed cues. Analysis of the multi-stage shuttle run test with 208 elite female netball players and 381 elite male lacrosse players found that 13 (+/-3) players stopped after the first shuttle of each new level, in comparison with 5 (+/-2) players on any other shuttle. No obvious drop-out pattern was observed on the incremental shuttle run test with 273 male and 79 female undergraduate students. The mean difference between a test-retest condition (n = 20) for peak shuttle running speed (-0.03+/-0.01 m x s(-1)) and maximal heart rate (0.4+/-0.1 beats x min(-1)) on the incremental test showed no bias (P > 0.05). The 95% absolute confidence limits of agreement were+/-0.11 m x s(-1) for peak shuttle running speed and+/-5 beats min(-1) for maximal heart rate. The relationship (n = 27) between peak shuttle running speed on the incremental shuttle run test (4.22+/-0.14 m x s(-1)) and VO2max (59.0+/-1.7 ml kg(-1) x min(-1)) was r= 0.91 (P< 0.01), with a standard error of prediction of +/-2.6 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1). These results suggest verbal cues during the multi-stage shuttle run test may influence subject drop-out. The incremental shuttle run test shows no obvious drop-out patten and provides a valid estimate of VO2max.     

Maximum oxygen uptake and body composition of healthy Hong Kong Chinese adult men and women aged 20 - 64 years

The aims of the present study were to assess the maximal oxygen uptake and body composition of adult Chinese men and women, and to determine how these variables relate to age. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 196 men and 221 women aged 20 - 64 years. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined by indirect calorimetry during a maximal exercise test on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. The correlations between VO2max and fat mass were -0.52 in men and -0.58 in women. Linear regression defined the cross-sectional age-related decline in VO2max as 0.35 ml kg(-1) min(-1) year(-1) in men and 0.30 ml kg(-1) min(-1) year(-1) in women. Multiple regression analysis showed that more than 50% of this cross-sectional decline in VO2max was due to fat mass, lean mass, and age. Adding fat mass and lean mass to the multiple regression models reduced the age regression mass from 0.35 to 0.24 ml kg(-1) min(-1) year(-1) in men and from 0.30 to 0.15 ml kg(-1) min(-1) year(-1) in women. We conclude that age, fat mass, and lean mass are independent determinants of maximal oxygen uptake in Chinese adults.     

Thermoregulatory responses to exercise: relative versus absolute intensity

The purpose of the present study was to re-examine the relationship between deep body temperature and relative exercise intensity, during running rather than cycling (Saltin and Hermansen, 1966). Twenty male competitive and recreational distance runners, aged 22 + 0.9 years (mean +/- sx), were selected to form two groups, one with high maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values (72.8 +/- 0.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and the other with moderate values (59.4 +/- 0.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). The participants completed two 60 min constant-paced treadmill runs at a common speed (absolute intensity) of 10.5 km x h(-1) and at a relative exercise intensity at a speed equivalent to 65% of VO2max. During the relative exercise intensity trial, no differences were found in rectal temperature, skin temperature or heart rate between groups. However, when running at the common speed, differences were identified in rectal temperature. At 60 min, rectal temperature was 37.70 +/- 0.19 degrees C and 38.19 +/- 0.11 degrees C for the high and moderate VO2max groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Sweat lost was significantly higher in the moderate VO2max group (moderate: 1.05 +/- 0.06 kg x h(-1); high: 0.82 +/- 0.08 kg x h(-1); P < 0.05). Heart rates were also different between groups over the first 20 min during the common speed trial (P < 0.05). The results of the present study support the findings of Saltin and Hermansen (1966), in that the set-point at which temperature is maintained is related to the relative exercise intensity.     

Physiological determinants of speciality of elite middle- and long-distance runners

The aim of this study was to determine which physiological variables predict excellence in middle- and long-distance runners. Forty middle-distance runners (age 23 ± 4 years, body mass 67.2 ± 5.9 kg, stature 1.80 ± 0.05 m, VO(2max) 65.9 ± 4.5 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)) and 32 long-distance runners (age 25 ± 4 years, body mass 59.8 ± 5.1 kg, stature 1.73 ± 0.06 m, VO(2max) 71.6 ± 5.0 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)) competing at international standard performed an incremental running test to exhaustion. Expired gas analysis was performed breath-by-breath and maximum oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) and two ventilatory thresholds (VT(1) and VT(2)) were calculated. Long-distance runners presented a higher VO(2max) than middle-distance runners when expressed relative to body mass (P < 0.001, d = 1.18, 95% CI [0.68, 1.68]). At the intensities corresponding to VT(1) and VT(2), long-distance runners showed higher values for VO(2) expressed relative to body mass or %VO(2max), speed and oxygen cost of running (P < 0.05). When oxygen uptake was adjusted for body mass, differences between groups were consistent. Logistic binary regression analysis showed that VO(2max) (expressed as l · min(-1) and ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)), VO(2VT2) (expressed as ml · kg(-0.94) · min(-1)), and speed at VT(2) (v(VT2)) categorized long-distance runners. In addition, the multivariate model correctly classified 84.7% of the athletes. Thus, VO(2max), VO(2VT2), and v(VT2) discriminate between elite middle-distance and long-distance runners.     

Combined metabolic gas analyser and dGPS analysis of performance in cross-country skiing

The purpose of this study was to provide a more detailed analysis of performance in cross-country skiing by combining findings from a differential global positioning system (dGPS), metabolic gas measurements, speed in different sections of a ski-course and treadmill threshold data. Ten male skiers participated in a freestyle skiing field test (5.6 km), which was performed with dGPS and metabolic gas measurements. A treadmill running threshold test was also performed and the following parameters were derived: anaerobic threshold, threshold of decompensated metabolic acidosis, respiratory exchange ratio = 1, onset of blood lactate accumulation and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). The combined dGPS and metabolic gas measurements made detailed analysis of performance possible. The strongest correlations between the treadmill data and final skiing field test time were for VO2peak (l x min(-1)), respiratory exchange ratio = 1 (l x min(-1)) and onset of blood lactate accumulation (l x min(-1)) (r = -0.644 to - 0.750). However, all treadmill test data displayed stronger associations with speed in different stretches of the course than with final time, which stresses the value of a detailed analysis of performance in cross-country skiing. Mean oxygen uptake (VO2) in a particular stretch in relation to speed in the same stretch displayed its strongest correlation coefficients in most stretches when VO2 was presented in units litres per minute, rather than when VO2 was normalized to body mass (ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) and ml x min(-1) x kg(-2/3)). This suggests that heavy cross-country skiers have an advantage over their lighter counterparts. In one steep uphill stretch, however, VO2 (ml x min(-1) x kg(-2/3)) displayed the strongest association with speed, suggesting that in steep uphill sections light skiers could have an advantage over heavier skiers.     

Physiological Responses to Maximal Treadmill and Handweighted Exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the peak physiological responses among four protocols that employed different amounts of handweighted exercise in 16 males (aged 26.3 ± 4.1 years). The four protocols were (a) uphill treadmill running (UR; 3.36 m-s¹, 2.5% grade increase-3 min¹); (b) uphill treadmill walking while pumping 1.36kg handweights (HW) (UWHW; 1.79ms¹, 5.0% grade increase-3 min¹; (c) treadmill walking while pumping .91-kg HW (WHW; 1.79 m-s¹, 0% grade, .91kg HW increase-3 min¹); and (d) standing in place and pumping HW (SHW; arm work as described in WHW). It was hypothesized that the peak responses would be inversely proportional to the estimated muscle mass activated (i.e., UR = UWHW > WHW > SHW). Dependent variables included peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak ventilation (V_epeak), and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak). No differences were noted between UR and UWHW with respect to any of the dependent variables. All variables (except RERpeak) were greater (p < .01) in UR and UWHW than either WHW or SHW. RERpeak was greater (p < .01) in UR and UWHW than in WHW. VO₂peak and HRpeak were greater (p < .01) in WHW when compared to SHW. Mean VO₂peak was 97.5, 69.7, and 60% of UR for UWHW, WHW, and SHW, respectively. Therefore, walking and pumping handweights provides a maximal stimulus to the oxygen transport system.     

Effect of a carbohydrate mouthwash on running time-trial performance

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a carbohydrate mouthwash on running time-trial performance. On two separate occasions, seven recreationally active males (VO2max 57.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 3.7) completed a preloaded (15 min at 65%VO2max) time-trial of 45 min in duration on a motorized treadmill. At 6-min intervals during the preload and time-trial, participants were given either a 6% maltodextrin, 3% lemon juice solution (carbohydrate trial) or a 3% lemon juice placebo mouthwash (placebo trial) in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. Heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the preload, and blood glucose and lactate were measured before and after the preload and time-trial. There were no significant differences in distance covered between trials (carbohydrate: 9333 m, s = 988; placebo: 9309 m, s = 993). Furthermore, there were no significant between-trial differences in heart rate and running speed during the time-trial, or VO2, RER or RPE during the preload. Blood lactate and glucose increased as a result of the exercise protocol, with no between-trial differences. In conclusion, there was no positive effect of a carbohydrate mouthwash on running performance of approximately 1 h duration.     

Sodium bicarbonate ingestion does not alter the slow component of oxygen uptake kinetics in professional cyclists

We examined the effects of pre-exercise sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on the slow component of oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics in seven professional road cyclists during intense exercise. One hour after ingesting either a placebo or NaHCO3 (0.3 g x kg body mass(-1)), each cyclist (age, 25 +/- 2 years; VO2max, 74.7 +/- 5.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); mean +/- s) performed two bouts of 6 min duration at an intensity of 90% VO2max interspersed by 8 min of active recovery. Gas exchange and blood data (pH, blood lactate concentration and [HCO3-]) were collected during the tests. In both bouts, the slow component of VO2 was defined as the difference between end-exercise VO2 and the VO2 at the end of the third minute. No significant difference was found in the slow component of VO2 between conditions in the first (NaHCO3, 210 +/- 69 ml; placebo, 239 +/- 105 ml) or second trial (NaHCO3, 123 +/- 88 ml; placebo, 197 +/- 101 ml). In conclusion, pre-exercise NaHCO3 ingestion did not significantly attenuate the VO2 slow component of professional road cyclists during high-intensity exercise.     

Determinants of success during triathlon competition

Eleven male triathletes were studied to determine the relationships between selected metabolic measurements and triathlon performance. Measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) were made during submaximal and maximal 365.8 m freestyle swimming (FS), cycle ergometry (CE), and treadmill running (TR). Submaximal workloads were 1 m/s for swimming, 200 W for cycling, and 201.2 m/min for running. The mean VO2 max (l/min) was significantly (p less than .05) lower during FS (4.17) than CE (4.68) or TR (4.81). Swimming, cycling, and running performance times during the Muncie Endurathon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle, 13.1 mile run) were not significantly related to the event-specific VO2 max (ml/kg/min): -.49, -32 and -.55, respectively. The VO2 max expressed in l/min was found to be significantly (p less than .05) related to cycling time (r = -.70). A significant (p less than .05) relationship was observed between submaximal VO2 (ml/kg/min) during TM and run performance time (r = .64), whereas swimming and cycling performance times were significantly (p less than .05) related to submaximal VO2 max (l/min), r = .72 and .60, respectively. The percentage of VO2 (%VO2 max) used during the submaximal tests was significantly (p less than .05) related to swimming (.91), cycling (.78), and running (.86) performance times. Time spent running and cycling during triathlon competition was significantly (p less than .05) related to overall triathlon time, r = .97 and .81, respectively. However, swimming time was not significantly related (.30) to overall triathlon time. This study suggests that economy of effort is an important determinant of triathlon performance.     

Prediction of 2000 m indoor rowing performance using a 30 s sprint and maximal oxygen uptake

The aim of this study was to predict indoor rowing performance in 12 competitive female rowers (age 21.3 +/- 3.6 years, height 1.68 +/- 0.54 m, body mass 67.1 +/- 11.7 kg; mean +/- s) using a 30 s rowing sprint, maximal oxygen uptake and the blood lactate response to submaximal rowing. Blood lactate and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured during a discontinuous graded exercise test on a Concept II rowing ergometer incremented by 25 W for each 2 min stage; the highest VO2 measured during the test was recorded as VO2max (mean = 3.18 +/- 0.35 l.min-1). Peak power (380 +/- 63.2 W) and mean power (368 +/- 60.0 W) were determined using a modified Wingate test protocol on the Concept II rowing ergometer. Rowing performance was based on the results of the 2000 m indoor rowing championship in 1997 (466.8 +/- 12.3 s). Laboratory testing was performed within 3 weeks of the rowing championship. Submitting mean power (Power), the highest and lowest five consecutive sprint power outputs (Maximal and Minimal), percent fatigue in the sprint test (Fatigue), VO2max (l.min-1), VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1), VO2 at the lactate threshold, power at the lactate threshold (W), maximal lactate concentration, lactate threshold (percent VO2max) and VEmax (l.min-1) to a stepwise multiple regression analysis produced the following model to predict 2000 m rowing performance: Time2000 = -0.163 (Power) -14.213.(VO2max l.min-1) +0.738.(Fatigue) 7.259 (R2 = 0.96, standard error = 2.89). These results indicate that, in the women studied, 75.7% of the variation in 2000 m indoor rowing performance time was predicted by peak power in a rowing Wingate test, while VO2max and fatigue during the Wingate test explained an additional 12.1% and 8.2% of the variance, respectively.