EFFECTS OF AEROBIC TRAINING ON EXCESS POST EXERCISE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AND BLOOD LACTATE RESPONSE 1514

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of an aerobic training program on excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and blood lactate response after supramaximal exercise. Eight untrained males (age: 22.38 ± 2.07 yr; weight: 79.51 ± 12.34 kg; height: 176.53± 8.53 cm; VO2max < 50 ml kg-1 min-1) participated in a six week training study. The subjects performed pre and post training VO2max tests and Anaerobic Speed Tests (ASTs). The ASTs were individually determined to produce tests of two minutes in duration (2 min AST). EPOC volume and EPOC rate components (τ1 and τ2) as well as post exercise blood lactate response were measured following the 2 min ASTs. Significant differences were evident between pre and post training relative and absolute VO2max scores (46.04 ± 4.11 ml· kg-1 ·min-1 vs. 52.30 ± 5.71 ml·kg-1·min-1 and 3.62 ±.41 L·min-1 vs. 4.08 ±.41 L· min-1; p<.001). EPOC volume was significantly decreased following the endurance training program (9.23 ± 1.48 L·min-1 vs. 7.78 ± 1.40 L·min-1; p<.001). Three minute post exercise blood lactate response was significantly decreased following the training program (15.12± 1.88 mmol·L-1 vs. 13.09 ± 1.21 mmol·L-1; p<.001). A significant relationship was found between the change in VO2max and the change in blood lactate concentration (r=.84; p<.05). No significant differences were found between EPOC recovery rates (p>.05). No significant relationships were evident between VO2max, EPOC volume, or EPOC recovery rates (p>.05). The results of this study indicate that aerobic training can decrease the EPOC volume and blood lactate response associated with anaerobic exercise. However, the rate and magnitude of EPOC recovery from supramaximal work appear to be independent of VO2max.