Significant Differences In VO2max Research Articles

VO2max Characteristics of Elite Female Soccer Players, 1989–2007

To quantify VO2max among female competitive soccer players as a function of performance level, field position, and age. In addition, the evolution of VO2max among world-class players over an 18-y period was quantified. Female players (N = 199, 22 ± 4 y, 63 ± 6 kg, height 169 ± 6 cm), including an Olympic winning squad, were tested for VO2max at the Norwegian Olympic Training Center between 1989 and 2007. National-team players had 5% higher VO2max than 1st-division players (P = .042, d = 0.4), 13% higher than 2nd-division players (P < .001, d = 1.2), and 9% higher than junior players (P = .005, d = 1.0). Midfielders had 8% higher VO2max than goalkeepers (P = .048, d = 1.1). No significant differences were observed across outfield players or different age categories. There was a trend toward lower relative VO2max across time epochs. This study demonstrated that VO2max varies across playing-standard level in women's soccer. No significant differences in VO2max were observed across outfield positions and age categories. Over time, there has been a slight negative development in VO2max among elite Norwegian soccer players.

NHANES: No significant link between cardiorespiratory fitness and tinnitus

NHANES: No significant link between cardiorespiratory fitness and tinnitus

Higher Fat Oxidation in Running Than Cycling at the Same Exercise Intensities

This study examined the differences in fat and carbohydrate oxidation during running and cycling at the same relative exercise intensities, with intensity determined in a number of ways. Specifically, exercise intensity was expressed as a percentage of maximum workload (WL(max)), maximum oxygen uptake (%VO(2max)), and maximum heart rate (%HR(max)) and as rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Ten male triathletes performed maximal running and cycling trials and subsequently exercised at 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, and 80% of their WL(max). VO(2), HR, RPE, and plasma lactate concentrations were measured during all submaximal trials. Fat and carbohydrate oxidation were calculated from VO(2) and VCO(2) data. A 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to determine any statistically significant differences between exercise modes. Fat oxidation was shown to be significantly higher in running than in cycling at the same relative intensities expressed as either %WL(max) or %VO(2max). Neither were there any significant differences in VO(2max) and HR(max) between the 2 exercise modes, nor in submaximal VO(2) or RPE between the exercise modes at the same %WL(max). However, heart rate and plasma lactate concentrations were significantly higher when cycling at 60% and 65% and 65-80%WL(max), respectively. In conclusion, fat oxidation is significantly higher during running than during cycling at the same relative intensity expressed as either %WL(max) or %VO(2max).

Long-Term Intermittent Hypoxia Increases O2-Transport Capacity but Not VO2max

Long-term intermittent hypoxia, characterized by several days or weeks at altitude with periodic stays at sea level, is a frequently occurring pattern of life in mountainous countries demanding a good state of physical performance. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a typical South American type of long-term intermittent hypoxia on VO2max at altitude and at sea level. We therefore compared an intermittently exposed group of soldiers (IH) who regularly (6 months) performed hypoxic-normoxic cycles of 11 days at 3550 m and 3 days at sea level with a group of soldiers from sea level (SL, control group) at 0 m and in acute hypoxia at 3550 m. VO2max was determined in both groups 1 day after arrival at altitude and at sea level. At altitude, the decrease in VO2max was less pronounced in IH (10.6 +/- 4.2%) than in SL (14.1 +/- 4.7%). However, no significant differences in VO2max were found between the groups either at sea level or at altitude, although arterial oxygen content (Ca(O(2) )) at maximum exercise was elevated (p < 0.001) in IH compared to SL by 11.7% at sea level and by 8.9% at altitude. This higher Ca(O(2) ) mainly resulted from augmented hemoglobin mass (IH: 836 +/- 103 g, SL: 751 +/- 72 g, p < 0.05) and at altitude also from increased arterial O(2)-saturation. In conclusion, acclimatization to long-term intermittent hypoxia substantially increases Ca(O(2) ), but has no beneficial effects on physical performance either at altitude or at sea level.

SEASONAL CHANGES IN &amp;OV0312;O2max AMONG DIVISION 1A COLLEGIATE WOMEN SOCCER PLAYERS

Aerobic capacity and body composition were measured at 3 time points over a 1-year period in 26 Division 1A women soccer players from Texas A&M University, in order to determine whether there were seasonal changes in these parameters. Subjects were tested in December, immediately following a 4-month competitive season; in April, following 15 weeks of strength and conditioning; and immediately prior to the start of the regular season in August, following a 12-week summer strength and conditioning program. A periodized strength and conditioning program design was incorporated in order to optimize anaerobic and oxidative capacity immediately prior to the regular competitive season. Significant differences in VO2max were measured between August (49.24 +/- 4.38 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and December (44.87 +/- 4.61 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). No significant changes in aerobic capacity were found between April (47.43 +/- 4.01 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and August (49.64 +/- 5.25 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Significant increases in body fat were measured between August (15.71 +/- 2.92%) and December (18.78 +/- 2.79%), before and after the competitive season, respectively. No significant changes in body fat were found between April (16.24 +/- 2.95%) and August (15.71 +/- 2.92%). The results of this study suggest that decreases in muscle mass over the course of a regular competitive season contribute to decreases in aerobic capacity in collegiate women soccer players. Although it is unknown whether this decrease in muscle mass is the result of inadequate training or a normal adaptation to the physiological demands imposed by soccer, the results of the current study suggest that resistance training volume should be maintained during the competitive season, in order to maintain preseason levels of muscle mass.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Professional Firefighters Across Position And Gender

PURPOSE The present study was undertaken as part of a national Fire Act Grant award to determine 1) the cardiorespiratory fitness of professional male and female firefighters prior to entry into a 1-yr exercise training program, and 2) if differences in cardiorespiratory fitness exist between the various firefighting positions within a company. METHODS After appropriate risk factor stratification, 363 professional firefighters (males n=355, females n=8) underwent maximal graded metabolic exercise testing with (moderate risk, n=199, high risk, n=11) or without (low risk, n=153) physician supervision and 12-lead electrocardiography. Of the 210 “at risk” subjects, 36 subjects were dropped from data analysis because of significant ST-segment changes (n=27) or ventricular ectopy (n=9). In addition, 17 additional tests were dropped from data analysis as they did not achieve maximal effort criteria. Therefore, VO2max was directly measured on the treadmill via open-circuit spirometry for 310 firefighters (males, n=302; females, n=8) using either a standard Bruce (n=53) or a modified Bruce (n=257) protocol in which the stage durations were reduced to 2 min. RESULTS Values are reported as mean ± SEM. There were no significant differences in VO2max between males and females (Males=38.37 ± 0.42 ml ± kg−1 ± min−1; Females=34.86 ± 2.92 ml·kg−1·min−1). When comparisons of VO2max were made by firefighter position (Captain, n=81; Driver, n=70; Firefighter, n=133; Administrator, n=26) with age held as a covariate, there were no significant differences amongst the positions (Captain = 38.73 ± 0.71 ml·kg−1·min−1; Driver=38.39 ± 0.77 ml·kg−1·min−1m; Firefighter=38.08 ± 0.58 ml·kg−1·min−1; Administrator=37.63 ± 1.34 ml·kg−1 ± min−1). CONCLUSIONS Mean VO2max values for professional firefighters across positions are similar when differences due to age are removed. Furthermore, the mean values for both males and females for VO2max are above the minimal threshold shown to be associated with an increased risk of performance failure due to fatigue. However, 22.9% (Captain, n=17; Driver, n=18; Firefighter, n=36) of the firefighters who actively fight fire had VO2max values below the minimum performance threshold. Thus, an exercise training intervention designed to improve cardiorespiratory endurance is warranted to reduce the likelihood of performance failure due to fatigue. Supported by the Department of Homeland Security: Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Program “MFRD Firefighter Health & Wellness Program”

Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Professional Firefighters Across Position And Gender

PURPOSE The present study was undertaken as part of a national Fire Act Grant award to determine 1) the cardiorespiratory fitness of professional male and female firefighters prior to entry into a 1-yr exercise training program, and 2) if differences in cardiorespiratory fitness exist between the various firefighting positions within a company. METHODS After appropriate risk factor stratification, 363 professional firefighters (males n=355, females n=8) underwent maximal graded metabolic exercise testing with (moderate risk, n=199, high risk, n=11) or without (low risk, n=153) physician supervision and 12-lead electrocardiography. Of the 210 “at risk” subjects, 36 subjects were dropped from data analysis because of significant ST-segment changes (n=27) or ventricular ectopy (n=9). In addition, 17 additional tests were dropped from data analysis as they did not achieve maximal effort criteria. Therefore, VO2max was directly measured on the treadmill via open-circuit spirometry for 310 firefighters (males, n=302; females, n=8) using either a standard Bruce (n=53) or a modified Bruce (n=257) protocol in which the stage durations were reduced to 2 min. RESULTS Values are reported as mean ± SEM. There were no significant differences in VO2max between males and females (Males=38.37 ± 0.42 ml ± kg−1 ± min−1; Females=34.86 ± 2.92 ml·kg−1·min−1). When comparisons of VO2max were made by firefighter position (Captain, n=81; Driver, n=70; Firefighter, n=133; Administrator, n=26) with age held as a covariate, there were no significant differences amongst the positions (Captain = 38.73 ± 0.71 ml·kg−1·min−1; Driver=38.39 ± 0.77 ml·kg−1·min−1m; Firefighter=38.08 ± 0.58 ml·kg−1·min−1; Administrator=37.63 ± 1.34 ml·kg−1 ± min−1). CONCLUSIONS Mean VO2max values for professional firefighters across positions are similar when differences due to age are removed. Furthermore, the mean values for both males and females for VO2max are above the minimal threshold shown to be associated with an increased risk of performance failure due to fatigue. However, 22.9% (Captain, n=17; Driver, n=18; Firefighter, n=36) of the firefighters who actively fight fire had VO2max values below the minimum performance threshold. Thus, an exercise training intervention designed to improve cardiorespiratory endurance is warranted to reduce the likelihood of performance failure due to fatigue. Supported by the Department of Homeland Security: Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Program “MFRD Firefighter Health & Wellness Program”

MAXIMAL AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC EXERCISE EFFECTS ON MOOD STATES

Studies have used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in relation to exercise. Low to moderate exercise has been linked to positive mood changes such as vigor and exhilaration. Most studies have looked at POMS immediately pre and post submaximal exercise. Morgan et al. (1980) used State Anxiety to show that post-maximal exercise increases in anxiety had decreased in 5 to 30 minutes of recovery. PURPOSE To determine maximal exercise effects on the mood states of college-aged males and females. METHODS The short POMS version was used for the 3 exercise protocols, Bruce and Ramp for aerobic exercise and Wingate for anaerobic exercise. Subjects (N=19) were oriented with an initial visit while the other visits were randomized. The POMS was given pre-exercise, post-exercise and 20 min into recovery. RESULTS Due to the small sample size and the lack of sphericity in the data, a multivariate analysis was not appropriate. Therefore, 6 separate one-way repeated measures ANOVAS were calculated that reflected the 6 scales of the POMS. To protect against inflation of alpha, a Bonferroni adjustment to the p value was utilized. A Tukey LSD post-hoc analysis was performed on the scales with significant differences and indicated that only the scores on tension/anxiety and fatigue were significant and only in conjunction with the maximal aerobic exercise tests. The time course for the tension/anxiety score showed significant decreases for both treadmill tests from post-exercise (Bruce=3.80; Ramp = 3.70) to 20 min into recovery (Bruce=1.35; Ramp = 1.25; p < 0.05). Fatigue followed a course similar to what would be expected following maximal exercise. Significant differences occurred within each maximal aerobic protocol (Bruce pre-exercise=2.45, postexercise=7.55, 20 min into recovery=2.80, p < 0.05; Ramp pre-exercise=2.90, post-exercise=9.45, 20 min into recovery=2.80, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in VO2max between the two protocols. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm those found by Morgan et al. (1980) using the state anxiety measure.

Locomotor Performance and Activity Energetics of Helodermatid Lizards

Locomotor performance and activity energetics were analyzed in 19 individual helodermatid lizards ranging in mass from 24.5-1220 g. We measured maximum sprint speeds, endurance on a treadmill, cost of transport, and aerobic capacity (rO2max) at a mean body temperature of 30.8 C. The maximum sprint speed for both Heloderma species averaged 1.7 km/h, which is among the lowest recorded for lizards. A typical Heloderma had an endurance time of 16.0 min at 1.0 km/h, which is higher than expected for a lizard of this size at 31 C. At lower speeds, adult Heloderma could run for prolonged periods. The cost of transport for a 500 g Heloderma at 0.4 km/h was 0.46 ml 02, -' km-', which is comparable to the cost of transport in other lizards. The two Heloderma species showed no significant differences in VO2max, cost of locomotion, endurance, or sprint speeds. Neither cost of locomotion nor aerobic capacity differed between captive and wild Heloderma. At 31 C, helodermatids had a high rO2max, resulting in the highest factorial aerobic scope (30.4) of any lizard measured to date. The high aerobic capacity of Heloderma seems surprising for a sedentary lizard but may be advantageous during intensive male-male agonistic behaviors. Males had significantly higher VO2max than did females, suggesting that sexual selection may favor males with high aerobic capacities.

Metabolic and Cardiorespiratory Responses to the Performance of Wing Chun and T'ai Chi Chuan Exercise

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to the continuous performance of Wing Chun and T'ai Chi Chuan exercise. No significant differences in VO2max or HRmax obtained during treadmill exercise were found between the practitioners of the two styles. Average values for oxygen uptake (VO2) were 23.3 +/- 7.5 ml.kg-1.min-1 (6.6 METS) and 16.0 +/- 3.9 ml.kg-1.min-1 (4.6 METS) for Wing Chun and T'ai Chi Chuan exercise, respectively. Mean heart rates obtained during exercise were 137 +/- 25 beats.min-1 for Wing Chun and 116 +/- 22 beats.min-1 for T'ai Chi Chuan exercise. These exercise values corresponded to 52.4% of VO2max and 70.5% of HRmax for Wing Chun and only 36.4% of VO2max and 59.8% of HRmax for T'ai Chi Chuan exercise. Thus, only the continuous performance of Wing Chun exercise elicited VO2 and HR responses that would be expected to bring about a cardiorespiratory training effect in subjects with a relatively low initial VO2max. The ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2) obtained during T'ai Chi Chuan exercise (21.7) was significantly lower than for Wing Chun exercise (24.2), suggesting that T'ai Chi practitioners utilize efficient breathing patterns during exercise. Both Wing Chun and T'ai Chi Chuan styles may have a small static component that produces a slightly elevated heart rate relative to metabolic load when compared to traditional aerobic activities. However, the effect was not severe and these forms of exercise should not be considered dangerous for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Phosphate Loading and the Effects on VO2max in Trained Cyclists

It is known that an increased level of red blood cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) shifts the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the right, thus allowing a greater unloading of oxygen at the tissue level. It has been hypothesized that phosphate might help increase VO2max by increasing 2,3-DPG level. Eight trained cyclists underwent three cycle ergometer tests (control, placebo, and experimental) to determine whether phosphate ingestion had any positive effect on VO2max, time to exhaustion, serum 2,3-DPG, and serum phosphate levels. We found no change between the control, placebo, or experimental conditions in pretest serum phosphate levels, but we did find increases in 2,3-DPG levels in the phosphate condition (p less than .05), which suggests that even a small amount of phosphate could increase levels of 2,3-DPG. We also found significant differences in VO2max between the control (p less than .05) and placebo (p less than .02) conditions and also in time to exhaustion between the three conditions (p less than .05). We suggest that phosphate may have an ergogenic effect, but clearly more work needs to be undertaken to ascertain the amount of phosphate required and the magnitude of the effect.

Aerobic capacities and blood pressure responses of five different groups in North Sumatra and Aceh at different workloads.

In five different groups consisting of athletes (TPG), high school students, men and women (HS), rural group (Arun), and a professional football group (Galatama), the VO2max was determined indirectly, using the cycle ergometer exercise test and Astrand's nomogram. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was determined using a sphygnomanometer and measured after steady state was reached at each load. The aerobic capacities of the group below 20 years differ significantly between the TPG and all the other groups compared (P less than 0.01). Between the other groups there is a difference in VO2max, though significant differences were only found between the HS (men), Arun group and the HS (women) (P less than 0.01). In the group above 20 years the TPG group have the highest VO2max, and the differences when compared with the HS (men) and Arun groups were significant (P less than 0.01). In the Arun group above 30 years, though a lower values was found in the older age group, significant differences in VO2max were only found between the 30-39 years and the 40-49 years age group (P less than 0.01). Blood pressure responses to different workloads successfully confirmed the results reported by Astrand and Rodahl (1970) and Barnard et al. (1973), but no consistent relationship was found between aerobic capacities and systolic blood pressures.

Exercise capacity, residual abnormalities and activity habits following total correction for tetralogy of Fallot.

The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) of 68 patients, at a mean of 5.6 years after total correction for tetralogy of Fallot, was lower than that of normal subjects (36.3 +/- 7.5 and 43.1 +/- 9.0 ml/kg-min). At the time of treadmill evaluation only the female patients were less active in daily life than the normals. Patients having had an elevated right ventricle to pulmonary artery resting systolic pressure gradient, evaluated at a mean of 2.2 years after surgery, had lower VO2 max than those with lesser residual gradients (34.7 +/- 7.2 and 38 +/- 7.3 ml/kg-min). No significant differences in VO2 max were found between patients with none or slight versus moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation as well as between patients with and without a residual left-to-right ventricular shunt.

Ultrastructure and biochemical function of skeletal muscle in twins.

Muscle biopsies were obtained from eleven pairs of monozygotic and six pairs of dizygotic twins, and maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2) was measured. There were no differences between the two groups of twins in their intra-pair variation, except for two enzyme systems, glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD). The effects of training were assessed by comparing the differences between twins when one member of each pair undertook a 23 week training programme. There were significant differences in VO2 max, heart volume and maximum oxygen pulse after training, and some significant cytological differences. It was concluded that environmental factors were stronger than genetic influences, as far as physical performance was concerned.