Impact of training status on maximal oxygen uptake criteria attainment during running

• Published in: South African journal of sports medicine 2009-04, Vol.21 (1), p.19
• Main Authors: Christie, Candice Jo-Anne, Lock, Briar Ingram
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fitness equipment; Maximum oxygen consumption; Oxygen consumption; Physiological aspects; Physiology; Running; Sports medicine
• ISSN: 1015-5163; 2078-516X
• DOI: 10.17159/2078-516X/2009/v21i1a303

Objectives. The aims of this study were to assess whether training status influenced maximal physiological and perceptual responses and whether certain maximal criteria were more sensitive for individuals with different levels of training. Methods. Males who were either trained (N=8) or untrained (N=9) underwent a maximal treadmill test to assess whether the criteria to indicate VO2 max were training-specific. Results. [VO2.sub.max] was significantly higher in the trained (70.0 ml[O.sub.2].[kg.sup.-1].[min.sup.-1]) compared with the untrained group (54.5 ml[O.sub.2]. [kg.sup.-1].[min.sup.-1]). Only 11% of the trained and 56% of the untrained individuals achieved a plateau in the oxygen uptake curve. Peak treadmill running speed was significantly faster and total test time significantly longer in the trained group. In contrast, peak lactate, although maximal for both groups, was significantly higher in the untrained group (13.5 mmol.[l.sup.-1] compared with 10.3 mmol.[l.sup.-1]). The other responses were not different between the groups. Noteworthy is that none of the subjects achieved all of the criteria indicating a maximal effort. The criteria most achieved in both samples were [HR.sub.max], [RPE.sub.max] and [La.sub.max] with the latter being the most attained in the untrained group and [RPE.sub.max] being mostly attained by the trained group. Conclusions. The criteria used to indicate attainment of [VO2.sub.max] may be limited and may differ when comparing a heterogeneous training sample. Although [VO2.sub.max] was significantly higher in the trained group, responses were different for [O.sub.2] plateau attainment and [La.sub.max] but similar for the other British Association of Sports Sciences criteria. It may be concluded that the physiological variables coinciding with maximal effort may differ in individuals with different levels of training.