Abstract
A flattening of the oxygen uptake–work rate relationship at severe exercise indicates the achievement of maximum oxygen uptake left({text{VO}}_{2max } right). Unfortunately, a distinct plateau left( {{{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}}} right) at {{text{VO}}}_{2max }is not found in all participants. The aim of this investigation was to critically review the influence of research methods and physiological factors on the {{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}} incidence. It is shown that many studies used inappropriate definitions or methodical approaches to check for the occurrence of a {{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}}. In contrast to the widespread assumptions it is unclear whether there is higher {{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}} incidence in (uphill) running compared to cycling exercise or in discontinuous compared to continuous incremental exercise tests. Furthermore, most studies that evaluated the validity of supramaximal verification phases, reported verification bout durations, which are too short to ensure that {{text{VO}}}_{2max } have been achieved by all participants. As a result, there is little evidence for a higher {{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}} incidence and a corresponding advantage for the diagnoses of {{text{VO}}}_{2max } when incremental tests are supplemented by supramaximal verification bouts. Preliminary evidence suggests that the occurrence of a {{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}} in continuous incremental tests is determined by physiological factors like anaerobic capacity, {{text{VO}}}_{2}-kinetics and accumulation of metabolites in the submaximal intensity domain. Subsequent studies should take more attention to the use of valid {{text{VO}}}_{2} {text{pl}} definitions, which require a cut-off at ~ 50% of the submaximal {{text{VO}}}_{2} increase and rather large sampling intervals. Furthermore, if verification bouts are used to verify the achievement of {{text{VO}}}_{{2{text{peak}}}}/{{text{VO}}}_{2max }, it should be ensured that they can be sustained for sufficient durations.
Highlights
The first description of the oxygen uptake plateau ( V O2pl ) is attributed to Archibald Vivian Hill [1–3]
For prior applications of discontinuous protocols used to measureV O2 max, the intensity of the constant load bouts was increased until the corresponding increase in V O2 fell short of a predefined cut-off or until the work rate could not be sustained for a predefined duration [5–7, 52]
There is no convincing evidence for the assumption that there is a higher V O2pl incidence in classically discontinuous tests compared to continuous incremental tests
Summary
A near-constant V O2 despite a further increase in work rate (= V O2pl ) indicates attainment of V O2 max ; not all participants demonstrate a V O2pl at the end of an incremental test. There is lack of convincing evidence to show that the incidence of the V O2pl is influenced by exercise mode, exercise protocol, aerobic fitness, anthropometrics, or age. Preliminary evidence indicates that a fast V O2 -kinetics as well as a high anaerobic capacity and anaerobic threshold related to V O2 max seem to increase the chance that a plateau at V O2 max occurs
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