V·O₂ Responses to Running Speeds Above V·O_2max

Abstract

This study compared V·O₂, heart rate (HR) and electromyographic (iEMG) responses to speeds above the velocity associated with V·O_2max (v-V·O_2max). Eight male, middle-distance runners performed a graded exercise test to determine V·O_2max and v-V·O_2max and runs to fatigue at 100 % and 110 % v-V·O_2max. Breath-by-breath V·O₂ and HR were continuously recorded; lactate [La^-] measured pre- and post-run and iEMG measures of rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis were recorded during the first and last 20 s of each run. Analysis indicated longer time to fatigue in the 100 % v-V·O_2max run with no differences between conditions for V·O₂ or HR amplitudes or post-run [La^-] (p > 0.05). There were significantly faster tau values (p < 0.05) in the 110 % condition in V·O₂ and HR. No significant correlations were observed between V·O₂ or HR tau values and time to fatigue. RF iEMG was significantly larger in 110 % compared to 100 % run in the first 20 s (p < 0.05). While no association between treadmill performance and V·O₂ response was evident, faster running speeds resulted in faster V·O₂ and HR responses, with no difference in amplitude or % V·O_2max attained. This may potentially be as a result of an increased muscle fibre recruitment stimulus during the faster running velocity resulting in faster cardiodynamic responses.

Key words

V·O₂ kinetics - severe intensity - athletics - running performance

References

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