Determination of the velocity associated with the longest time to exhaustion at maximal oxygen uptake

The so-called velocity associated with (V)over dot O-2max, defined as the minimal velocity which elicits (V)over dot O-2max in an incremental exercise protocol (v((V)over dot O2max)), is currently used for training to improve (V)over dot O-2max. However, it is well known that it is not the sole velocity which elicits (V)over dot O-2max and it is possible to achieve (V)over dot O-2max at velocities lower and higher than v((V)over dot O2max). The goal of this study was to determine the velocity which allows exercise to be maintained the longest time at (V)over dot O-2max. Using the relationship between time to exhaustion at (V)over dot O-2max in the all-out runs at 90%, 100%, 120% and 140% of v((V)over dot O2max) and distance run at (V)over dot O-2max, the velocity which elicits the longest time to exhaustion at (V)over dot O-2max (CV') was determined. For the six subjects tested (physical education students), this velocity was not significantly different from v((V)over dot O2max) (16.96 +/- 0.92 km . h(-1) vs 17.22 +/- 1.12 km . h(-1), P = 0.2 for CV' and v((V)over dot O2max), respectively) and these two velocities were correlated (r = 0.88, P = 0.05).