Relationship between maximum oxygen uptake and local muscle function

Abstract

Purpose: We looked for factors which are closely related to peak V.O2. Subjects: Thirty healthy men (mean age: 22.9 ± 2.1 years) were the subjects. Methods: Subjects performed cardiopulmonary exercise using an ergometer with a ramp exercise (30 Watt/min). We measured their peak V.O2 by expired gas analysis, evaluated oxygenation in the vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise and calculated the deoxygenation level. Moreover we measured muscle strength and muscle endurance. The data were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: Deoxygenation level and muscle strength were chosen as explanatory variables. The standard partial regression coefficients were 0.442 and 0.347, respectively. Conclusion: Deoxygenation level and muscle strength were closely related to peak V.O2 in the local muscle function. Thus, exercise which increases these variables is effective at increasing peak V.O2.