V O 2 max during successive maximal e ff orts

The concept of VO2max has been a defining paradigm in exercise physiology for >75 years. Within the last decade, this concept has been both challenged and defended. The purpose of this study was to test the concept of VO2max by comparing VO2 during a second exercise bout following a preliminary maximal effort exercise bout. The study had two parts. In Study #1, physically active non-athletes performed incremental cycle exercise. After 1-min recovery, a second bout was performed at a higher power output. In Study #2, competitive runners performed incremental treadmill exercise and, after 3-min recovery, a second bout at a higher speed. In Study #1 the highest VO2 (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (3.95 + 0.75 vs. 4.06 + 0.75 l min-1). Maximal heart rate was not different (179 + 14 vs. 180 + 13 bpm) although maximal VE was higher in the second bout (141 + 36 vs. 151 + 34 l min -1). In Study #2 the highest VO2 (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (4.09 + 0.97 vs. 4.03 + 1.16 l min -1), nor was maximal heart rate (184 + 6 vs. 181 + 10 bpm) or maximal VE (126 + 29 vs. 126 + 34 l min -1). The results support the concept that the highest VO2 during a maximal incremental exercise bout is unlikely to change during a subsequent exercise bout, Carl Foster · Erin KuVel · Nicole Bradley · Rebecca A. Battista · Glenn Wright · John P. Porcari · Alejandro Lucia · Jos J. deKoning (2007) " VO2max during successive maximal efforts" European journal of Applied Physiology 102:67–72 Version of Record Available @ (DOI 10.1007/s00421-007-0565-x) VO2max during successive maximal efforts Carl Foster · Erin Kuffel · Nicole Bradley · Rebecca A. Battista · Glenn Wright · John P. Porcari · Alejandro Lucia · Jos J. deKoning Abstract The concept of VO2max has been a defining paradigm in exercise physiology for >75 years. Within the last decade, this concept has been both challenged and defended. The purpose of this study was to test the concept of VO2max by comparing VO2 during a second exercise bout following a preliminary maximal effort exercise bout. The study had two parts. In Study #1, physically active non-athletes performed incremental cycle exercise. After 1min recovery, a second bout was performed at a higher power output. In Study #2, competitive runners performed incremental treadmill exercise and, after 3-min recovery, aThe concept of VO2max has been a defining paradigm in exercise physiology for >75 years. Within the last decade, this concept has been both challenged and defended. The purpose of this study was to test the concept of VO2max by comparing VO2 during a second exercise bout following a preliminary maximal effort exercise bout. The study had two parts. In Study #1, physically active non-athletes performed incremental cycle exercise. After 1min recovery, a second bout was performed at a higher power output. In Study #2, competitive runners performed incremental treadmill exercise and, after 3-min recovery, a second bout at a higher speed. In Study #1 the highest VO2 (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (3.95 + 0.75 vs. 4.06 + 0.75 l min). Maximal heart rate was not different (179 + 14 vs. 180 + 13 bpm) although maximal VE was higher in the second bout (141 + 36 vs. 151 + 34 l min). In Study #2 the highest VO2 (bout 1 vs. bout 2) was not significantly different (4.09 + 0.97 vs. 4.03 + 1.16 l min), nor was maximal heart rate (184 + 6 vs. 181 + 10 bpm) or maximal VE (126 + 29 vs. 126 + 34 l min). The results support the concept that the highest VO2 during a maximal incremental exercise bout is unlikely to change during a subsequent exercise bout, despite higher muscular power output. As such, the results support the “classical” view of VO2max.