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Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(4): 268-273
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-820998
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Oxygen Uptake Response to an 800-m Running Race

C. Thomas1 , 2 , C. Hanon1 , S. Perrey3 , J.-M. Le Chevalier1 , A. Couturier1 , H. Vandewalle1
  • 1Laboratoire de Biomécanique et de Physiologie, Institut National des Sports et de l'Education Physique, Paris, France
  • 2Laboratoire de Physiologie des Interactions (EA 701), Département de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Montpellier, France
  • 3EA Efficience et Déficience Motrice, EA2991, Montpellier, France
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: February 10, 2004

Publication Date:
26 August 2004 (online)

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Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that time course of O2 uptake (VO2) measured during a supramaximal exercise performed in the field is driven to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). On an outdoor track, five middle-distance male runners first performed a test to determine VO2max and a supramaximal 800-m running test at least two days apart. VO2 response was measured from the start to the end of exercise with the use of a miniaturised telemetric gas exchange system (Cosmed K4). VO2max was reached by all subjects 45 ± 11 s (mean ± SD) after the onset of the 800-m race (i.e., 316 ± 75 m), and was maintained during the next 33 ± 6 s (i.e., 219 ± 41 m). The mean relative exercise intensity of the 800 m was 120 % VO2max. An unexpected significant decrease in VO2 (24.1 ± 7.0 %; p < 0.05) was observed in all subjects during the final 38 ± 17 s (i.e., the last 265 ± 104 m). We concluded that, at onset of a simulated 800 m running event, VO2 is quickly projected towards the VO2max, and then becomes limited by the achievable VO2max. This race profile shown by all athletes is in some contrast to what can be expected from earlier findings in a laboratory setting.

Key words

Supramaximal exercise - maximal oxygen consumption - athletics

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C. Thomas

Laboratoire de Physiologie des Interactions (EA 701), Département de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine

Bvd Henri IV

Montpellier 34060

France

Phone: + 33(0)467606804

Fax: + 33 (0) 4 67 60 69 04

Email: thomasclaire@wanadoo.fr