Abstract
The anaerobic capacity (AC[La]+EPOCfast) method is of interest
as it can differentiate between the contributions of phosphocreatine (PCr) and
glycolytic energy, assess the anaerobic metabolism during a single effort, and
evaluate various exercise modalities. However, no previous studies have
investigated whether the superiority of the PCr and glycolytic systems can be
assessed in athletes with high anaerobic capacity. This study aimed to compare
the AC[La]+EPOCfast method in seven sprinters (SP) and seven
middle-distance runners (MD). The participants underwent a graded exercise test
and constant-load exercise at 115% ˙VO2max until
exhaustion using a bicycle ergometer. AC[La]+EPOCfast was
calculated as the sum of oxygen equivalents from the phosphagen
(EPCr) and glycolytic (ELa) pathways. This study reveals
that there was no significant difference in AC[La]+EPOCfast
or maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) between the two groups. Although
EPCr was not significantly different between groups,
ELa was significantly higher in the SP group than in the MD
group. In conclusion, the AC[La]+EPOCfast method can be used
to evaluate high and low anaerobic capacities. However, further studies on
athletes with high aerobic capacity are required.
Key words
oxygen uptake - blood lactate - anaerobic metabolism - energy metabolism - excess post-exercise oxygen consupution