Pacing strategy during the final stage of a self-paced $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }$ (SPV) test does not affect maximal oxygen uptake

Abstract

Purpose

Self-paced $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }$ tests (SPVs) have shown to produce maximal oxygen consumption values similar to those from traditional protocols. These tests involve perceptually regulated stages in which subjects are asked to maintain rating of perceived exertion values of 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 for 2 min each. What is not clear is how the last stage should be paced. The purpose of this study was to compare two different pacing strategies during the final stage.

Methods

Fourteen healthy, recreationally active individuals (11 men, 3 women) participated in a familiarization and two experimental laboratory visits. For both lab visits, a treadmill-based SPV was performed. In one of these SPVs, an aggressive pacing strategy was used; in the other, a conservative strategy was implemented. $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }$, HR, $\dot{V}_{\text{E}}$, $\dot{V}{\text{CO}}_{2}$ and RER were recorded and compared between conditions.

Results

There were no differences in $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }$ between the conditions [aggressive 58.8 ± 8.8 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ (mean ± SD), conservative 58.3 ± 7.9 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹; p = 0.548]. There were also no differences in HR, $\dot{V}_{\text{E}}$, or $\dot{V}{\text{CO}}_{2}$ between the pacing strategies. There was a significantly higher RER found in the aggressive (1.25 ± 0.09) compared to the conservative (1.18 ± 0.07) strategy (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

The pacing strategy that is implemented in the last 2 min of an SPV on a treadmill does not affect the maximal oxygen consumption that is elicited during that test. Either pacing strategy can be used for this protocol without compromising the results, when $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} }$ is the variable of interest.