Time Spent at V˙O₂max: a Methodological Issue

Abstract

This study was designed to propose a standardised procedure to determine the time spent at V˙O₂max (tV˙O₂max) based on the V˙O₂max of the day (i. e. the V˙O₂max value measured the day of the test). Ten male subjects first performed a graded field test, followed by a continuous running exercise to exhaustion, at the velocity of the Université de Montréal Track Test (V_UMTT) plus 1 km × h^-1 (V_UMTT+ 1). The second test consisted of an exhaustive run at 100 % of V_UMTT, followed by a V_UMTT+ 1 test. Different methods were used to compare time spent at V˙O₂max, based on the V˙O₂max of the graded field test, and time spent at V˙O₂max, based on the V˙O₂max of the day, during an exhaustive run at 100 % of V_UMTT. Results have shown that V_UMTT+ 1 tests were of sufficient intensity and duration to identify the V˙O₂max of the day. Time spent at V˙O₂max ranged from 25 ± 53 s to 139 ± 76 s according to the method used. However, the tV˙O₂max method based on the sum of each value higher than 95 % of V˙O₂max of the day appeared more robust than methods based on the time to exhaustion minus time to reach V˙O₂ reference value, or the method based on the sum of values higher than V˙O₂max minus 2.1 ml × kg^-1 × min^-1.

Field tests - maximal oxygen uptake - time to exhaustion

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