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.

Key words

Field tests - maximal oxygen uptake - time to exhaustion

References

• 1 Berthoin S, Pelayo P, Lensel-Corbeil G, Robin H, Gerbeaux M. Comparison of maximal aerobic speed as assessed with laboratory and field measurements in moderately trained subjects.  Int J Sports Med. 1996;  17 525-529
• 2 Billat V L, Koralsztein J P. Significance of the velocity at V˙O₂max and time to exhaustion at this velocity.  Sports Med. 1996;  22 90-108
• 3 Billat V L, Blondel N, Berthoin S. Determination of the velocity associated with the longest time to exhaustion at maximal oxygen uptake.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1999;  80 159-161
• 4 Billat V L, Slawinski J, Bocquet V, Demarle A, Lafitte L, Chassaing P, Koralsztein J P. Intermittent runs at the velocity associated with maximal oxygen uptake enable subjects to remain at maximal oxygen uptake for a longer time than intense but submaximal runs.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;  81 188-196
• 5 Billat V L, Slawinski J, Bocquet V, Chassaing P, Demarle A, Koralsztein J P. Very short (15 s - 15 s) interval-training around the critical velocity allows middle-aged runners to maintain V˙O₂max for 14 minutes.  Int J Sports Med. 2001;  22 201-208
• 6 Dupont G, Blondel N, Lensel G, Berthoin S. Critical velocity and time spent at a high level of V˙O₂ for short intermittent runs at supramaximal velocities.  Can J Appl Physiol. 2002;  27 103-115
• 7 Gorostiaga E M, Walter C B, Foster C, Hickson R C. Uniqueness of interval and continuous training at the same maintained exercise intensity.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1991;  63 101-107
• 8 Hill D W, Rowell A L. Responses to exercise at the velocity associated with V˙O₂max.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;  29 113-116
• 9 Hill D W, William C S, Burt S E. Responses to exercise at 92 % and 100 % of the velocity associated with V˙O₂max.  Int J Sports Med. 1997;  18 325-329
• 10 Kamber M. Laktatmessungen in der Sportmedizin: Messmethodenvergleich.  Schweiz Ztschr Sportmed. 1992;  40 77-86
• 11 Katch V L, Sady S S, Freedson P. Biological variability in maximum aerobic power.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982;  14 21-25
• 12 Lacour J R, Padilla-Magunacelaya S, Chatard J C, Arsac L, Barthélémy JC. Assessment of running velocity at maximal oxygen uptake.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1991;  62 77-82
• 13 Leger L, Boucher R. An indirect continuous running multistage field test: the Université de Montréal Track Test.  Can J Appl Spt Sci. 1980;  5(2) 77-84
• 14 McLaughlin J E, King G A, Howley E T, Bassett D R Jr, Ainsworth B E. Validation of the COSMED K4 b² portable metabolic system.  Int J Sports Med. 2001;  22 280-284
• 15 Morgan D W, Baldini F D, Martin P E, Kohrt W M. Ten kilometer performance and predicted velocity at V˙O₂max among well-trained male runners.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1989;  21 78-83
• 16 Perrey S, Candau R, Millet G Y, Borrani F, Rouillon J D. Decrease in oxygen uptake at the end of a high-intensity submaximal running in humans.  Int J Sports Med. 2002;  23 298-304
• 17 Tabata I, Irisawa K, Kouzaki M, Nishimura K, Ogita F, Miyachi M. Metabolic profile of high-intensity intermittent exercises.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;  29 390-395
• 18 Wenger H A, Bell G J. The interactions of intensity, frequency and duration of exercise training in altering cardiorespiratory fitness.  Sports Med. 1986;  3 346-356