Abstract

Anaerobic capacity is defined as the maximal amount of adenosine triphosphate resynthesised via anaerobic metabolism (by the whole organism) during a specific mode of short-duration maximal exercise. This review focuses on laboratory measures which attempt to quantify anaerobic capacity; it examines the evidence supporting or challenging the validity of these measures and provides research foci for future investigations. Discussion focuses on anaerobic capacity measured during running and cycling, since almost all data reviewed were collected using these exercise modes. The validity of the oxygen debts (alactic and total), maximal blood lactate and oxygen deficit as measures of anaerobic capacity was examined. The conclusion of the study: oxygen debts should not be used to quantify anaerobic capacities. Maximal blood lactate can only, at best, reflect anaerobic capacity; applied sport scientists should also consider the time and cost involved in measuring this variable, given that the monitoring of short and long term changes in blood volume will also be required to increase the sensitivity of maximal blood lactate to changes in anaerobic capacity. The oxygen deficit is the only measure which can potentially quantify anaerobic capacity; it has been claimed to accurately quantify anaerobic capacity. Evidence presented in this review suggests, however, that its validity, especially in athletic populations, is not clearly established and requires further examination. Verf.-Referat