(V)over-dot-O2 kinetics determined by PRBS techniques differentiate elite Endurance Runners from elite sprinters

The aim of the study was to examine whether a measure of oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics could differentiate between 12 elite male endurance (3000-10 000m) runners and 12 elite male sprint (100 - 400 m) runners using a pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) exercise protocol. All exercise tests were performed on an electrically braked cycle ergometer at a constant pedal frequency of 1 Hz. The PRBS exercise intensities alternated between 25 W and 85 W for three consecutive PRBS cycles of 300s. VO2 was measured breath-by-breath and results were analysed by Fourier techniques in the frequency domain. Blood lactate concentrations taken pre and post testing were below 2mM. Significantly greater amplitude components were observed in the endurance runners than sprinters at frequencies 6.7 mHz (6.71 +/- 1.09 and 5.47 +/- 0.95 ml . min(-1) . W-1, respectively) P<0.05 and 10 mHz (4.97+/-0.98 and 3.56+/-0.69 ml . min(-1) . W-1 respectively) P<0.01. Phase shift components were significantly shorter in the endurance runners compared to the sprinters at frequency 3.3 mHz (- 35.45 +/- 4.31 and - 41.26 +/- 5.82 degrees respectively) P<0.05. The results of this study show that VO2 kinetics are differentially faster in elite endurance runners than in elite sprinters. This supports the development of the PRBS technique as a test of sports performance.