Frequency of the VO2max plateau phenomenon in world-class cyclists
Deutscher übersetzter Titel: | Die Häufigkeit des Phänomens eines VO2max-Plateauwerts bei Weltklasseradsportlern |
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Autor: | Lucia, A.; Rabadan, M.; Hoyos, J.; Hernandez-Capilla, M.; Pérez, M.; San Juan, A.F.; Earnest, C.P.; Chicharro, J.L. |
Erschienen in: | International journal of sports medicine |
Veröffentlicht: | 27 (2006), 12, S. 984-992, Lit. |
Format: | Literatur (SPOLIT) |
Publikationstyp: | Zeitschriftenartikel |
Medienart: | Gedruckte Ressource Elektronische Ressource (online) |
Sprache: | Englisch |
ISSN: | 0172-4622, 1439-3964 |
DOI: | 10.1055/s-2006-923833 |
Schlagworte: | |
Online Zugang: | |
Erfassungsnummer: | PU200704001081 |
Quelle: | BISp |
Abstract
We aimed to determine the frequency of the V·O2max plateau phenomenon in top-level male professional road cyclists (n = 38; VO2max [mean ± SD]: 73.5 ± 5.5 ml/kg/min) and in healthy, sedentary male controls (n = 37; VO2max: 42.7 ± 5.6 ml/kg/min). All subjects performed a continuous incremental cycle-ergometer test of 1-min workloads until exhaustion. Power output was increased from a starting value of 25 W (cyclists) or 20 W (controls) at the rate of 25 W/min (cyclists) or 20 W/min (controls) until volitional exhaustion. We measured gas-exchange and heart rate (HR) throughout the test. Blood concentrations of lactate (BLa) were measured at end-exercise in both groups. We defined maximal exercise exertion as the attainment of a respiratory exchange rate (RER) ≥ 1.1; HR > 95% age-predicted maximum; and BLa > 8 mmol/l. The VO2max plateau phenomenon was defined as an increase in two or more consecutive 1-min mean VO2 values of less than 1.5 ml/kg/min. Most cyclists met our criteria for maximal exercise effort (RER > 1.1, 100%; 95% predicted maximal HR [HRmax], 82%; BLa > 8 mmol/l, 84%). However, the proportion of cyclists attaining a VO2max plateau was considerably lower, i.e., 47 %. The majority of controls met the criteria for maximal exercise effort (RER > 1.1, 100%; predicted HRmax, 68%; BLa > 8 mmol/l, 73%), but the proportion of these subjects with a VO2max plateau was only 24% (significantly lower proportion than in cyclists [p < 0.05]). Scientists should consider 1) if typical criteria of attainment of maximal effort are sufficiently stringent, especially in elite endurance athletes; and 2) whether those humans exhibiting the VO2max plateau phenomenon are those who perform an absolute maximum effort or there are additional distinctive features associated with this phenomenon. Verf.-Referat