Exercise Mode Affects the Time to Achieve V·O_2max Without Influencing Maximal Exercise Time at the Intensity Associated With V·O_2max in Triathletes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze, in triathletes, the possible influence of the exercise mode (running × cycling) on time to exhaustion (TTE) and oxygen uptake (V·O₂) response during exercise performed at the intensity associated with the achievement of maximal oxygen uptake (IV·O_2max). Eleven male triathletes (21.8 ± 3.8 yr) performed the following tests on different days on a motorized treadmill and on a cycle ergometer: 1) incremental tests in order to determine V·O_2max and IV·O_2max and, 2) constant work rate tests to exhaustion at IV·O_2max to determine TTE and to describe V·O₂ response (time to achieve V·O_2max - TAV·O_2max, and time maintained at V·O_2max - TMV·O_2max). No differences were found in V·O_2max, TTE and TMV·O_2max obtained on the treadmill tests (63.7 ± 4.7 ml · kg^-1 · min^-1; 324.6 ± 109.1 s; 178.9 ± 93.6 s) and cycle ergometer tests (61.4 ± 4.5 ml · kg^{- 1} · min^-1; 390.4 ± 114.4 s; 213.5 ± 102.4 s). However, TAV·O_2max was influenced by exercise mode (145.7 ± 25.3 vs. 176.8 ± 20.1 s; in treadmill and cycle ergometer, respectively; p = 0.006). It is concluded that exercise modality affects the TAV·O_2max, without influencing TTE and TMV·O_2max during exercise at IV·O_2max in triathletes.

Key words

Lactate - specificity - V·O₂ kinetics

References

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