Multifactorial Influences on Oxygen Consumption Recovery Post-High-Intensity Exercise in Adults: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Oxygen consumption (VO2) recovery plays a critical role in reestablishing homeostasis within multiple physiological processes. This study aimed to assess the differences in the fitness profiles, fatigability, patterns of VO2 recovery, and sleep quality among individuals with different body fat percentages. Thus, we evaluated the predictive effects of body fat percentage, CRF, fatigability, and sleep quality on VO2 recovery patterns following exercise. Materials and Methods: Eighty healthy participants aged 18–52 years were included in this case-control study. The participants were divided into two groups based on body fat percentage: normal-fat (CON; n = 40) and high-fat (HFG; n = 40) groups. The PSQI questionnaire was used to assess sleep efficiency, and a 10 min walk test was performed to assess fatigability. Both groups underwent a symptom-limited treadmill exercise test to assess VO2 using a modified bulk protocol, followed by 6 min of passive recovery. Results: The participants in the CON group had a higher mean VO2 peak than those in the high-fat-percentage group (p = 0.0003). The half-time recovery (T1 and T2) demonstrated higher amounts of VO2 in the CON group compared to the HFG group (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0005), respectively. Those in the HFG reported greater performance fatigability (p = 0.01) and poorer sleep quality compared to the CON group (p < 0.001). The multiple linear regression model indicated that a higher recovery amount of VO2 was associated with the fat percentage, VO2 peak, and fatigability index and explained 72% of the variance (F = 39.58, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the participants with higher fat percentages exhibited increased performance fatigability and a reduced peak VO2 and reported poor sleep quality compared to the normal group. CPF, body fat, and performance fatigability were associated with VO2 recovery after high-intensity exercise. The interplay between body fat, fatigability, sleep quality, and VO2 recovery highlights the need for a holistic approach to healthcare.