Submaximal Oxygen Consumption Research Articles

Physiological parameters related to running performance in college trackmen.

Submaximal and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were correlated with running performance in events ranging from 100 yards to 2 miles, using as subjects 20 members of a college track team. In the first of two studies (n=11) a multi-stage walking test was used to determine VO2 and HR. Max VO2 expressed in ml/kg/min, was significantly related to 1 mile run performance but not to any of the other runs. Submaximal HR was significantly related to performance in both the 1 mile and 2 mile runs. Correlations between these physiological parameters and performance in the 220, 440, and 880 yard runs were nonsignificant. Multiple R's using max VO2 (ml/kg/min) and submaximal H were .758 and 9671, respectively, for the 1 and 2 mile runs. In study two (n=9) a running test for VO2 and HR was used, which resulted in a mean max VO2 about 7 ml higher than than elicited in the walking test, implying that for trained runners a running test was a more valid test of aerobic power. Marked relationships were found between body weight and performance, positive for the 100 yard dash and negative for the 2 mile run. Submaximal HR was again significantly related to performance in the 1 and 2 mile runs. Max VO2 was positively related to 2 mile performance and negatively related to 100 yard dash performance. Multiple R's using max VO2 and submaximal HR were .799 and .925 for the 1 and 2 mile runs, respectively. Using submaximal HR and weight the multiple R's were .777 and .945, showing that these two can account for a large amount of the variance in distance running performance. In neither study was submaximal VO2 significantly related to running performance.

A Comparison of the Reproducibility and Physiologic Response to Three Maximal Treadmill Exercise Protocols

Fifteen volunteers performed the Brace, Balke, and Taylor maximal treadmill exercise protocols. Each protocol was performed by each subject three times, one test a week for nine weeks. Maximal and submaximal oxygen consumption and heart rate were determined. Statistical analyses revealed: (1) a greater mean maximal oxygen consumption with the Taylor protocol; (2) no difference in reproducibility of the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption among the three protocols; (3) an increase in mean maximal treadmill time without an increase in mean maximal oxygen consumption with treadmill experience; and (4) a decrease in submaximal oxygen consumption and heart rate at similar workloads with treadmill experience. A wide range of maximal oxygen consumption was found for any particular maximal treadmill time. Because of these findings, the clinical use of treadmill time to determine maximal oxygen consumption or functional aerobic impairment or changes in these parameters should be critically reinvestigated. Fifteen volunteers performed the Brace, Balke, and Taylor maximal treadmill exercise protocols. Each protocol was performed by each subject three times, one test a week for nine weeks. Maximal and submaximal oxygen consumption and heart rate were determined. Statistical analyses revealed: (1) a greater mean maximal oxygen consumption with the Taylor protocol; (2) no difference in reproducibility of the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption among the three protocols; (3) an increase in mean maximal treadmill time without an increase in mean maximal oxygen consumption with treadmill experience; and (4) a decrease in submaximal oxygen consumption and heart rate at similar workloads with treadmill experience. A wide range of maximal oxygen consumption was found for any particular maximal treadmill time. Because of these findings, the clinical use of treadmill time to determine maximal oxygen consumption or functional aerobic impairment or changes in these parameters should be critically reinvestigated.