Comparaison de performances aérobies et anaérobies au cours d'exercices locaux et généraux

Abstract

Purpose – The relationships between the aerobic and anaerobic abilities for local and general exercises has been studied in twenty three subjects.Methods – Maximal aerobic power (PMA), the lactate level corresponding to 4 mmoll−1 (Pla4) and maximal anaerobic power on a Monark cycle ergometer (general exercises) have been correlated with aerobic and anaerobic performances for knee extension exercises (local exercises). Maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) has been determined by means of a force–velocity test on the same Monark ergometer. Two indices of local aerobic ability were estimated: 1) the peak power (Ppic) measured at the end of an incremental knee extension exercise, 2) the knee extension critical power (PC) calculated as equal to the slope of the relationship between exhaustion time and total work performed during three exhaustives exercises at constant load. Maximal anaerobic power of the knee extensors was determined by measuring the maximal power at an angular velocitie of 240°s−1 (Pbiodex) with an isokinetic ergometer.Results – The correlations between all the indices of local and general aerobic abilities were highly significant (0.82<r<0.96; p<0.001) whatever the expression of the data (absolute values or related to the quadriceps muscle mass). The relationship between PC and Pla4 was significant even when these variables were expressed as fractions of the maximal aerobic power (PC/Ppic and Pla4%: r=0.75; p<0.001). Similarly, Pmax and Pbiodex were correlated even when related to quadriceps muscle mass (r=0.60; p<0.01). In contrast to Pmax, Pbiodex was negatively correlated with the local and general aerobic indices, but only when these variables was related to quadriceps muscle mass (0.44<r<0.63; p<0.05).Conclusions – The general aerobic abilities are very well correlated with the local aerobic abilities. Moreover, the correlation between PC/Ppic and Pla4% suggests that local and the general endurances are partially linked. The best indices of maximal anaerobic power and local anaerobic power are observed in the same subjects. In contrast, the best local and general aerobic indices are observed in the subjects presenting the weakest indices of anaerobic power.