The Effect of Graded Running Protocols On Peak Oxygen Consumption and Intramuscular Oxygen Saturation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of two different running protocols on peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and regional intramuscular oxygen saturation (SmO2) levels in one highly trained runner. Methods: VO2 and SmO2 were measured simultaneously during a gradually ascending running protocol and a Bruce protocol. VO2 was measured by breath-by-breath spiroergometer gas analysis system (ZAN®, Germany), and SmO2 was measured from both gastrocnemius muscles using a wireless near-infrared spectroscopy device (BSXinsight®, USA). The correlation between VO2 and SmO2 data was determined by Pearson correlation coefficients over the test stage mean values. The change of VO2 and SmO2 within each stage was determined by first-degree polynomials. Results: Peak VO2 in the Bruce protocol (4390 ml/min) was higher than peak VO2 in the running protocol (4640 ml/min), but no difference was observed in end-test SmO2 decreases. There were highly significant negative correlations between VO2 values and SmO2 values (r=-0.960-0.990, p