Determination of the velocity associated with the longest time to exhaustion at maximal oxygen uptake

Abstract

The so-called velocity associated with V̇O(2max) defined as the minimal velocity which elicits V̇O(2max) in an incremental exercise protocol (v(V̇O(2max))), is currently used for training to improve V̇O(2max). However it is well known that it is not the sole velocity which elicits V̇O(2max) and it is possible to achieve V̇O(2max) at velocities lower and higher than v(V̇O(2max)). The goal of this study was to determine the velocity which allows exercise to be maintained the longest time at V̇O(2max). Using the relationship between time to exhaustion at V̇O(2max) in the all-out runs at 90%, 100%, 120% and 140% of v(V̇O(2max)), and distance run at V̇O(2max), the velocity which elicits the longest time to exhaustion at V̇O(2max) (CV') was determined. For the six subjects tested (physical education students), this velocity was not significantly different from v(V̇O(2max)) (16.96 ± 0.92 km.h-1 vs 17.22 ± 1.12 km.h-1, P = 0.2 for CV' and v(V̇O(2max)) respectively) and these two velocities were correlated (r = 0.88, P = 0.05).