Oxygen Uptake Response to an 800-m Running Race

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that time course of O₂ uptake (VO₂) measured during a supramaximal exercise performed in the field is driven to maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max). On an outdoor track, five middle-distance male runners first performed a test to determine VO_2max and a supramaximal 800-m running test at least two days apart. VO₂ response was measured from the start to the end of exercise with the use of a miniaturised telemetric gas exchange system (Cosmed K4). VO_2max was reached by all subjects 45 ± 11 s (mean ± SD) after the onset of the 800-m race (i.e., 316 ± 75 m), and was maintained during the next 33 ± 6 s (i.e., 219 ± 41 m). The mean relative exercise intensity of the 800 m was 120 % VO_2max. An unexpected significant decrease in VO₂ (24.1 ± 7.0 %; p < 0.05) was observed in all subjects during the final 38 ± 17 s (i.e., the last 265 ± 104 m). We concluded that, at onset of a simulated 800 m running event, VO₂ is quickly projected towards the VO_2max, and then becomes limited by the achievable VO_2max. This race profile shown by all athletes is in some contrast to what can be expected from earlier findings in a laboratory setting.

Key words

Supramaximal exercise - maximal oxygen consumption - athletics

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