Abstract
Currently, the Bruce protocol is the most commonly used protocol to assess peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). However, it has been suggested that this protocol may not be the most appropriate for all groups and that the protocol used in assessing VO2peak should approximate the mode and intensity of the exercise to which the subject is accustomed. PURPOSE To determine if there is a difference in VO2peak as elicited by the standard Bruce (B) and a modified Åstrand (Å) treadmill protocol in trained male runners. METHODS Fifteen male runners (≥ 15 miles/wk) participated in the study. The subjects' mean age, height, weight, and percent body fat were 25.5±6.71 yr, 176.9±5.45cm, 71.6±10.2kg, and 9.28±4.62\%. Subjects came into the laboratory on three occasions each separated by \-7 days. On Day 1, subjects were hydrostatically weighed to estimate percent fat, and performed a familiarization treadmill test. On Days 2 and 3 subjects performed a VO2peak test using either the Å or B protocol in a randomized, crossover design. Indirect spirometry was used to measure inspired and expired gasses, which were analyzed on a metabolic cart. A student's paired t-test (α=0.05) was used to determine if differences existed in VO2peak, peak heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (R), and minute ventilation (VE) between the test protocols. RESULTS No significant difference was found for VO2peak using the Å or B protocol, (60.0±8.45ml/kg/min). vs 60.0±9.22ml/kg/min). HR2peak was significantly greater during the Å compared to the B protocol (189±11.9 bpm vs 186±11.2 bpm). However, R2peak and VE2peak were significantly lower, (1.15±05 vs 1.19±06, and 135.2±17.7L/min vs 139.5±17.2L/min), in the Å compared to the B protocol. CONCLUSION This data suggest that different treadmill protocols elicit a similar VO2peak in trained male runners despite variability in HR2peak, R2peak and VE2peak. Supported by HLKN Graduate Student Research Mini-Grant.
Published Version
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