V̇o2peak Comparison of a Treadmill Vs. Cycling Protocol in Elite Teenage Competitive Runners, Cyclists, and Swimmers

Marko, D, Bahenský, P, Snarr, RL, and Malátová, R. V̇o2peak Comparison of a treadmill vs. cycling protocol in elite teenage competitive runners, cyclists, and swimmers. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2875–2882, 2022—The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses of a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a treadmill and cycle ergometer in elite-level, youth competitive athletes. Thirty-one athletes (11 distance runners, 11 mountain-bike cyclists, and 9 long-distance swimmers) were randomly selected to complete either a running or cycling GXT on the first day, followed by the alternative 72 hours apart. The initial work rate for each GXT was set at 50% of the individuals' previously established V̇o2peak to elicit fatigue within 8–12 minutes. For the treadmill protocol, speed was increased by 1 km·h−1 each minute, with a constant 5% grade, until volitional fatigue. Cycle ergometer work rate was increased by 30 W every minute until volitional fatigue or the inability to maintain proper cadence (i.e., 100 ± 5 rev·min−1). Throughout both testing sessions, V̇o2peak, heart rate [HR] peak, breathing frequency (BF), tidal volume (VT), and minute ventilation (VE) were assessed and used to compare within-sport differences. Runners displayed a higher V̇o2peak (∼7%; d = 0.92), HRpeak (4%; d = 0.77), VE (6%; d = 0.66), and BF (12%; d = 0.62) on the treadmill vs. cycle. However, the cycling group demonstrated a greater V̇o2peak (âˆ...
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research