Running velocity at the ventilatory threshold and at VO2max before and after the eight-week cardiovascular endurance training

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research was to compare changes in running velocity at ventilatory threshold with the veliocity at VO2max, before and after the eight-week exercise program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 male subjects (age: 22.3 +/- 2.5 years, height: 179.8 +/- 7.6 cm, body mass: 76.8 +/- 9.0 kg) performed a progressive test for ventilatory threshold (VT) measurement and VO2max on treadmill. After 8 weeks of endurance training (3 times per week, 30 to 70 min, in different zones in respect to the ventilatory threshold) the performed the same test. RESULTS: Running velocity at ventilatory threshold increased significantly (p = 0.0001), between initial and final measurements (10.88 +/- 2.09, 12.94 +/- 1.90 km/h, respectively); as well as at VO2max (14.63 +/- 1.86, 16.44 +/- 1.59 km/h, respectively). At the initial test, velocity at ventilatory threshold was 74.11 % of VO2max. At the final test, velocity at ventilatory threshold was 78.43% of VO2max. Running velocity at ventilatory threshold has significantly increased at final test (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Running velocity at ventilatory threshold has significantly increased after eight weeks of endurance training (p = 0.001), when expressed in absolute values and percentage of velocity at VO2max. CONCLUSION: Comparison between the initial and final test demonstrated a significant increase of observed variables, under experimental conditions: at final test running velocity has increased at ventilatory threshold, in respect to absolute values and expressed as percentage at VO2max.