Anaerobic Power and Achievement of V˙O₂ Plateau in Pre-Pubertal Boys

A low anaerobic power has been proposed as a factor that may be limiting the achievement of a plateau in V˙O₂ of children who perform maximal aerobic power tests. This study examined the frequency of plateau achievement in pre-pubertal children and compared V˙O₂max, peak (PP) and mean (MP) anaerobic power in subjects who either achieved a plateau (PLAT) or did not (NO PLAT). Eighteen healthy pre-pubertal (Tanner Stage, pubic hair = 1) males (age = 9.1 ± 1.6 yrs, ht = 134.4 ± 9.7cm, wt = 33.3 ± 9.2kg, V˙O₂max = 40.0 ± 6.7 ml · kg^-1 · min^-1) were tested. All subjects completed a 30 sec Wingate Anaerobic Test and a McMaster aerobic protocol to volitional fatigue on a cycle ergometer. Only 33 % of the subjects met the PLAT criterion. No differences were found for PP or MP between those who achieved a plateau and those who did not (PLAT: PP = 6.3 ± 0.8 W/kg and MP = 5.2 ± 0.7 W/kg; NO PLAT: PP = 6.3 ± 1.2 W/kg and MP = 5.2 ± 1.3 W/kg). We conclude that anaerobic power is not a factor limiting the achievement of a plateau in V˙O₂ of pre-pubertal boys who perform maximal aerobic power tests.

Key words:

V˙O₂max criteria, peak power, mean power, children, exercise tests.

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