Effect of testing modality on the assessment of the velocity at maximum aerobic power in runners and soccer players

Introduction The velocity associated with the maximum aerobic power (vVO2max) is an important physiological parameter in both laboratory and field settings (Billat et a., 1996). The aim of the study was to compare two different testing modalities (incremental ramp vs square wave tests) for vVO2max assessment in two groups of athletes, runners and soccer players. The hypothesis is that during ramp test, due to the faster increase in work rate compared to cardiorespiratory and metabolic adjustments, vVO2max could be overestimated compared to square wave test, where a steady state condition could be reached. Methods Eight runners (RUN) and nine soccer players (SOC) reported to the laboratory twice to perform two maximum incremental tests: a continuous ramp protocol (1 km/h per min) and a discontinuous square-wave (SW) protocol (six work loads of 4 min each, with 5 min of rest in between), in random order, on a motorised treadmill for VO2max and vVO2max assessment. At rest and during exercise, cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters were collected breath-by-breath. Blood lactate concentration [La-] was measured at rest and at peak exercise. Results vVO2max was significantly higher in R1 compared to SW (SOC: 16.1±0.3 vs 19.4±0.4 km/h, +21%; RUN: 19.5±0.3 vs 22.1±0.3 km/h, +13%, for SW and R1, respectively; P<0.05). No significant differences between groups and protocols were found in VO2max (SOC: 3892±104 vs 3922±423 ml/min; RUN: 4159±115 vs 4170±116 , for SW and R1, respectively), as well as in VE, VCO2, [La-]peak and HR. Discussion Despite similar VO2max values, vVO2max was overestimated during the incremental ramp test compared to the square-wave test in both groups. This protocol-induced difference must be taken into account for athletes’ evaluation and training planning, especially for soccer players.