Time spent at VO2 max:: a methodological issue

This study was designed to propose a standardised procedure to determine the time spent at VO(2)max (tVO(2)max) based on the VO(2)max of the day (i.e. the VO(2)max value measured the day of the test). Ten male subjects first performed a graded field test, followed by a continuous running exercise to exhaustion, at the velocity of the Universite de Montreal Track Test (V-UMTT) plus 1 km x h(-1) (V-UMTT + 1). The second test consisted of an exhaustive run at 100% of V-UMTT, followed by a V-UMTT + I test. Different methods were used to compare time spent at VO(2)max, based on the VO(2)max of the graded field test, and time spent at VO(2)max, based on the VO(2)max of the day, during an exhaustive run at 100% of V-UMTT. Results have shown that V-UMTT + 1 tests were of sufficient intensity and duration to identify the VO(2)max of the day. Time spent at VO(2)max ranged from 25 +/- 53 s to 139 +/- 76 s according to the method used. However, the tVO(2)max method based on the sum of each value higher than 95% Of VO(2)max of the day appeared more robust than methods based on the time to exhaustion minus time to reach VO2 reference value, or the method based on the sum of values higher than VO(2)max minus 2.1 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1).