Comparison of VO2máx and time to exhaustion in two exercise modalities in triathletes

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the kind of exercise performed by triathletes may have an infl uence on VO2max got by the incremental test, and on the time to exhaustion (TTE) assessed in a constant workload test at IVO2max, both been assessed and compared during the same session.

Method. Sixteen male triatlethes (age: 29.5 ± 8.4 years; weight: 71.7 ± 4.3, kg; height: 174.8 ± 5.6 cm) have carried out a maximal incremental test so as to reach VO2max and IVO2max, and after 30 minute recovery time, they went through a constant workload test at IVO2max, so as to get the TTE. These tests were carried out at random on cycloergometer and on treadmill in two different days over a period between them of around 4 to 7 days.

Results. Signifi cant differences were found (p < 0.001) between the VO2max got on the cycloergometer (61.7 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min) and on the treadmill (65.6 ± 6.4 ml/kg/min). Besides, on the TTE, there were no signifi cant differencies (p = 0.80), between the cycloergometer and the treadmill (222 ± 59.5 s vs. 238 ± 59.5 s, respectively).

Conclusions. In triathletes, the kind of exercise has an infl uence on the VO2max got through an incremental test, while it seems not to infl uence the TTE, at least when the constant workload test is not carried out during the same session as the incremental test.