Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(4): 279-284
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104588
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Supramaximal Testing to Confirm Attainment of VO2max in Sedentary Men and Women

T. A. Astorino 1 , A. C. White 1 , L. C. Dalleck 2
  • 1Department of Kinesiology, CSU–San Marcos, San Marcos, United States
  • 2Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Eau Claire, United States
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision September 10, 2008

Publication Date:
06 February 2009 (online)

Abstract

Supramaximal testing is widely used to verify VO2max attainment, yet its efficacy in sedentary subjects is unknown. The aim of the study was to test this hypothesis in men and women completing maximal cycle ergometry. Fifteen sedentary subjects (age=22.4±3.9 year) completed incremental exercise, and returned at least 24 h later to complete constant load exercise at 105% peak work rate (Wmax). Another group of nine sedentary men and women (age=21.8±5 year) completed supramaximal exercise at 115% Wmax 1–1.5 h after incremental exercise. During exercise, gas exchange data and heart rate (HR) were continuously obtained. VO2max was similar (p>0.05) between incremental and supramaximal exercise in subjects in the first (32.32±4.81 mL/kg/min vs. 31.80±5.35 mL/kg/min) and second subset (40.63±3.61 mL/kg/min vs. 41.66±5.55 mL/kg/min). Maximal HR was lower (p<0.05) with supramaximal exercise, yet respiratory exchange ratio was higher (p<0.05). Test-retest reliability (r=0.81–0.89, p<0.05) for VO2max was high during repeated bouts of supramaximal testing. Findings support use of this protocol to confirm VO2max attainment in healthy, sedentary men and women completing incremental cycle ergometry.

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1 An abstract of this study was presented at the Southwest meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in November, 2007.

Correspondence

T. A. AstorinoPhD 

Department of Kinesiology

CSU–San Marcos

333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd

MH 352

92096-0001 San Marcos

United States

Phone: +760/750/73 51

Fax: +760/750/31 90

Email: astorino@csusm.edu