An integrative view of limitations to muscular performance

Abstract

First we describe the changing site of limitation to maximal O2 transport with increasing fitness in mammals. The capacity for diffusion and airway/parenchymal flow rate and volume are markedly overbuilt in the sedentary subject's lung, but undergo little change with increased training/fitness; accordingly, as demand for O2 transport increases in the highly fit, the limits for maximal diffusion and ventilation are surpassed or met at maximal exercise. Secondly, low-frequency diaphragmatic fatigue occurred with by heavy endurance exercise. This fatigue resulted from increased diaphragmatic work together with the major contribution from the secondary effects of increased locomotor muscle activity; namely, metabolic acidosis and increased requirement for blood flow.