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Int J Sports Med 2001; 22(2): 111-115
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-11338
Training and Testing
Original Basic
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Anaerobic Power and Achievement of V˙O2 Plateau in Pre-Pubertal Boys

A. M. Rivera-Brown, M. Alvarez, J. R. Rodriguez-Santana, P. J. Benetti
  • Pulmonary Function and Exercise Laboratory, Pediatric Pulmonary Program, Cardiovascular Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, P.R.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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A low anaerobic power has been proposed as a factor that may be limiting the achievement of a plateau in V˙O2 of children who perform maximal aerobic power tests. This study examined the frequency of plateau achievement in pre-pubertal children and compared V˙O2max, peak (PP) and mean (MP) anaerobic power in subjects who either achieved a plateau (PLAT) or did not (NO PLAT). Eighteen healthy pre-pubertal (Tanner Stage, pubic hair = 1) males (age = 9.1 ± 1.6 yrs, ht = 134.4 ± 9.7cm, wt = 33.3 ± 9.2kg, V˙O2max = 40.0 ± 6.7 ml · kg-1 · min-1) were tested. All subjects completed a 30 sec Wingate Anaerobic Test and a McMaster aerobic protocol to volitional fatigue on a cycle ergometer. Only 33 % of the subjects met the PLAT criterion. No differences were found for PP or MP between those who achieved a plateau and those who did not (PLAT: PP = 6.3 ± 0.8 W/kg and MP = 5.2 ± 0.7 W/kg; NO PLAT: PP = 6.3 ± 1.2 W/kg and MP = 5.2 ± 1.3 W/kg). We conclude that anaerobic power is not a factor limiting the achievement of a plateau in V˙O2 of pre-pubertal boys who perform maximal aerobic power tests.

Key words:

V˙O2max criteria, peak power, mean power, children, exercise tests.

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Anita M. Rivera-Brown, M.S.

Pediatric Pulmonary ProgramCardiovascular Center of P. R.

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San Juan 00936-6528Puerto Rico

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