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Ramp-incremented and RPE-clamped test protocols elicit similar VO2max values in trained cyclists

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Abstract

Purpose

The present study compared the efficacy of ramp incremented and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)-clamped test protocols for eliciting maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

Methods

Sixteen trained cyclists (age 34 ± 7 years) performed a ramp-incremented protocol and an RPE-clamped protocol 1 week apart in a randomized, counterbalanced order. The RPE-clamped protocol consisted of five, 2-min stages where subjects self-selected work rate and pedal cadence to maintain the prescribed RPE. After completing both test protocols subjects were asked which they preferred.

Results

The mean ± SD test time of 568 ± 72 s in the ramp protocol was not significantly different to the 600 ± 0 s in the RPE-clamped protocol (mean difference = 32 s; p = 0.09), or was the VO2max of 3.86 ± 0.73 L min−1 in the ramp protocol significantly different to the 3.87 ± 0.72 L min−1 in the RPE-clamped protocol (mean difference = 0.002 L min−1; p = 0.97). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed for peak power output (p = 0.21), maximal minute ventilation (p = 0.97), maximal respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.09), maximal heart rate (p = 0.51), and post-test blood lactate concentration (p = 0.58). The VO2max attained in the preferred protocol was significantly higher than the non-preferred protocol (mean difference = 0.14 L min−1; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The RPE-clamped test protocol was as effective as the ramp-incremented protocol for eliciting VO2max and could be considered as a valid alternative protocol, particularly where a fixed test duration is desirable.

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Abbreviations

[BLa]:

Blood lactate concentration

BMI:

Body mass index

HRmax :

Maximal heart rate

POpeak :

Peak power output

RERmax :

Maximal respiratory exchange ratio

RPE:

Ratings of perceived exertion

RPM:

Revolutions per minute

VEmax :

Maximal minute ventilation

VO2max :

Maximal oxygen uptake

W:

Watt

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the Marywood University Graduate Research and Creative Projects Fund. The authors of this study would like to especially thank Kathy Uhranowsky, along with graduate assistants Kaleen Lavin and Nicholas Fiolo, for their assistance during data collection.

Conflict of interest

There are no conflicts of interest to report.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Physiology Laboratory, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18509, USA

    Allison M. Straub & Angela R. Hillman

  2. Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK

    Adrian W. Midgley

  3. Department of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    Gerald S. Zavorsky

  4. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    Gerald S. Zavorsky

Authors
  1. Allison M. Straub
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  2. Adrian W. Midgley
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  3. Gerald S. Zavorsky
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  4. Angela R. Hillman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angela R. Hillman.

Additional information

Communicated by Peter Krustrup.

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Straub, A.M., Midgley, A.W., Zavorsky, G.S. et al. Ramp-incremented and RPE-clamped test protocols elicit similar VO2max values in trained cyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 1581–1590 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2891-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2891-0

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