Time Course Changes in Confirmed ‘True’ VO₂max After Individualized and Standardized Training

Abstract

This study sought to examine time course changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) confirmed with verification testing following 12 weeks of standardized vs. individualized exercise training. Participants (N=39) were randomly allocated to differing exercise intensity prescription groups: ventilatory threshold (individualized) or % heart rate reserve (standardized). At baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, participants completed maximal exercise testing with a verification protocol to confirm ‘true VO₂max.’ VO₂max in the standardized group changed from 24.3±4.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ at baseline to 24.7±4.6, 25.9±4.7, and 26.0±4.2 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ at week 4, 8, and 12, respectively, with a significant difference (p<0.05) in VO₂max at week 8 and 12 compared to baseline. The individualized group had increases in VO₂max from _{online 2} 9.5±7.5 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ at baseline to 30.6±8.4, 31.4±8.4, and 32.8±8.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ at week 4, 8, and 12, respectively. In the individualized group, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in VO₂max from baseline to week 8 and 12 and a significant increase in VO₂max from week 8 to 1 _{online 2}. Although not statistically significant, our preliminary data demonstrates a more rapid and potent improvement in VO₂max when exercise intensity is individualized. This is the first investigation to employ use of the verification procedure to confirm ‘true VO₂max’ changes following exercise training using ventilatory thresholds.

Key words

cardiorespiratory endurance - exercise training - ventilatory threshold - HRR - verification protocol

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