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This page of resources is designed to support the delivery of workshops and labs on aerobic capacity testing and the completion of related lab reports and essays.
Study Questions
Study Questions
A series of questions to consider in relation to practical sessions and prior to writing related lab reports:
Define the following terms: maximal oxygen consumption, ventilatory threshold, lactate threshold.
Identify and explain the concept of contraindications when supervising a test of aerobic capacity.
How can test data be used to inform subsequent training programme design?
Describe the ways in which the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption can be useful when working with an athlete.
When might it be inadvisable to undertake a maximal test of aerobic capacity and what alternatives are available?
Discuss the differences between various measures of aerobic capacity and which are more or less valid (what does validity mean in this context?)
What role does Lactate play in the body (Brooks, 2018)
What is running economy and how is it useful? (e.g. Barnes et al, 2018)
Explain the criteria for determining whether VO2max was attained during a graded exercise test. (see Poole & Jones, 2017; Midgley et al, 2008)
What are skeletal muscle determinants of endurance performance? (see van der Zwaard et al, 2021)
What are the potential effects of different protocols on outcome measures (e.g. VO2max, LT etc).
Discuss the range of methods used to analyse and assess LT once data has been collected in an incremental test.
What is Critical Power and how can it be used to evaluate an athlete's potential? (see Jones & Vanhatalo, 2017, Poole et al, 2016, see podcast at bottom of page). What are the potential criticisms?
What is the Anaerobic Threshold and why is it controversial (Poole et al, 2020)
Related content on this website
Related content on this website
Aerobic Conditioning for Sport and Health
Chronic Exercise-Induced Cardio-Respiratory Adaptations
Testing Aerobic Capacity Workshop Support
Recommended Primer Articles
Recommended Primer Articles
Hutchinson, A. (2020) What Does Your “Threshold” Really Mean? https://www.outsideonline.com/2419269/what-does-your-threshold-really-mean
Millet, G. P., Burtscher, J., Bourdillon, N., Manferdelli, G., Burtscher, M., & Sandbakk, Ø. (2023). The VO2max Legacy of Hill and Lupton (1923)—100 Years On. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1(aop), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0229
Recommended Essential Papers in Sp & Ex Phys
Recommended Essential Papers in Sp & Ex Phys
de Koning, J. J., & Foster, C. (2024). Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Essential Papers in Sports and Exercise Physiology. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0462
Key Chapters
Key Chapters
Bourdon, P. (2012) Blood Lactate Transition Thresholds: Concepts and Controversies. In: Tanner, R.& Gore, C.J., ed, Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes (2nd Ed), Australian Sports Commission. Champaign IL: Human Kinetics: 77-102.[amazon]
Jones, A.M. and DiMenna, F.J. (2011) Cardiovascular Assessment and Aerobic Training Prescription. In Cardinale,M., Newton,R., Nosaka,K. Strength and Conditioning: Biological Principles and Practical Applications. Oxford; Wiley-Blackwell [google books][companion website]
Jones, A.M., Vanhatalo, A.T. and Doust, J.H. (2009) Aerobic Exercise Performance. In Eston, R. & Reilly, T. (Ed.) (2009). Kinanthropometry and exercise physiology laboratory manual. Vol. 2: Physiology. (3rd Ed). London, Routledge [chapter 10: Aerobic exercise performance]
Morris, D. (2012) Lactate Threshold. In Miller, T. (Ed.)(2012) NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments. Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics: 125-145
Winter, E., Jones, A.M., Davison, R.C.R., Bromley, P.D., Mercer, T.H. (Eds.) (2007). Sport and exercise physiology testing guidelines. Vol 2: Exercise and Clinical Testing. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences guide: London, Routledge.[google books][full text]
Recommended Videos
Recommended Videos
Dr Mark Burnley has posted a series of tutorials on key aspects of exercise testing. Two of these videos are shown below but there are many more excellent tutorials to be found here at Dr Burnley's YouTube channel.
Recommended Journal Articles
Recommended Journal Articles
Chamari, K., & Padulo, J. (2015). ‘Aerobic’ and ‘Anaerobic’ terms used in exercise physiology: a critical terminology reflection. Sports medicine-open, 1(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-015-0012-1
Faude, O., Kindermann, W., Meyer, T (2009) Lactate Threshold Concepts: How Valid are They? Sports Medicine Vol.39, No.6, 469-490 [abstract][full text]
Ferguson, B. S., Rogatzki, M. J., Goodwin, M. L., Kane, D. A., Rightmire, Z., & Gladden, L. B. (2018). Lactate metabolism: historical context, prior misinterpretations, and current understanding. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 1-38. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-017-3795-6
Haugen, T., Paulsen, G., Seiler, S., & Sandbakk, Ø. (2018). New Records in Human Power. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(6), 678-686. https://journals.humankinetics.com/doi/full/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0441
Jamnick, N. A., Botella, J., Pyne, D. B., & Bishop, D. J. (2018). Manipulating graded exercise test variables affects the validity of the lactate threshold and VO2peak. PloS one, 13(7), e0199794. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199794
Jones, A. M. (2006) The physiology of the world record holder for the women's marathon. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol.1, 101-116 [full text]
Jones, A. M., Burnley, M., Black, M. I., Poole, D. C., & Vanhatalo, A. (2019). The maximal metabolic steady state: redefining the ‘gold standard’. Physiological Reports, 7(10), e14098. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14098
Jones, A. M., Kirby, B.S., Clark, I.E., Rice, H.M., Fulkerson, E., Wylie, L.J., Wilkerson, D.P., Vanhatalo, A. and Wilkins, B. (2020) Physiological demands of running at 2-hour marathon race pace. Journal of Applied Physiology https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00647.2020
Joyner, M. J., Ruiz, J. R., & Lucia, A. (2011). The two-hour marathon: who and when?. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(1), 275-277. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00563.2010
Midgley, A.W., McNaughton, L.R., Polman, R., & Marchant, D. (2007) Criteria for determination of maximal oxygen uptake: a brief critique and recommendations for future research. Sports Medicine, Vol.37, No.12,1019-1028. [abstract]
Poole, D.C. Rossiter, H.B., Brooks, G.A. Gladden, L.B. (2020) The anaerobic threshold: 50+ years of controversy J Physiol. DOI: 10.1113/JP279963 (and see this article for a brief summary https://www.outsideonline.com/2419269/what-does-your-threshold-really-mean )
Clinical Populations Perspectives
Gosselink, R. J. A. D., Troosters, T., & Decramer, M. (2004). Exercise testing: why, which and how to interpret. Breathe, 1(2), 120-129. https://doi.org/10.1183/18106838.0102.120
Puente-Maestu, L. (2020). Physiological rationale of commonly used clinical exercise tests. Pulmonology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pulmoe.2019.10.004
Representative blood lactate curve with 14 LTs calculated from one GXT and one participant.From Jamnick, N. A., Botella, J., Pyne, D. B., & Bishop, D. J. (2018) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199794
Further Reading
Further Reading
Achten, J. and Jeukendrup, A. E. (2003) Heart rate monitoring: applications and limitations. Sports Medicine. Vol. 33, No. 7: 517–538. [Online] [full text]
Arney, B. E., Glover, R., Fusco, A., Cortis, C., de Koning, J. J., van Erp, T., ... & Foster, C. (2019). Comparison of rating of perceived exertion scales during incremental and interval exercise. Kinesiology: International journal of fundamental and applied kinesiology, 51(2), 150-157. https://hrcak.srce.hr/222932 [researchgate]
Astrand, P-O (1972) Work Tests with the bicycle ergometer. Varberg, Sweden: Monark Crescent AB [full text]
Bacon, A. P., Carter, R. E., Ogle, E. A., & Joyner, M. J. (2013). VO2ma Trainability and High Intensity Interval Training in Humans: A Meta-Analysis. PloS One, 8(9), e73182.[full text]
Bangsbo,J. Iaia, F.M. and Krustrup, P. (2008) The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test A Useful Tool for Evaluation of Physical Performance in Intermittent Sports Sports Med 38 (1); 37-51 [full text]
Running economy profiles of two runners of equal VO 2 max.
Factors affecting running economy.
Figures from Barnes, K. R., & Kilding, A. E. (2015). Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors. Sports Medicine-Open, 1(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y
Barnes, K. R., & Kilding, A. E. (2015). Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors. Sports Medicine-Open, 1(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y
Bassett, D. R., & Howley, E.T.(2000). Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and determinants of endurance performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 32(1): 70–84 [full text]
Beaver, W. L., Wasserman, K., & Whipp, B. J. (1986). A new method for detecting anaerobic threshold by gas exchange. Journal of applied physiology, 60(6), 2020-2027. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1986.60.6.2020
Belcher, C. P. and Pemberton, C. L. (2012) The Use of the Blood Lactate Curve to Develop Training Intensity Guidelines for the Sports of Track and Field and Cross-Country. International Journal of Exercise Science. Vol. 5, No. 2: 148–159. [fulltext]
Beltrami, F. G., Froyd, C., Mauger, A. R., Metcalfe, A. J., Marino, F. and Noakes, T. D. (2012) Conventional testing methods produce submaximal values of maximum oxygen consumption. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Vol. 46, No. 1: 23–29. [Online]. Available from: doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-090306[full text]
Bentley, D J., Newell, J. & Bishop, D. (2007) Incremental Exercise Test Design and Analysis: Implications for Performance Diagnostics in Endurance Athletes Sports Medicine, Vol 37, No.7, 575-586 [abstract]
Billat V., Dalmay F., Antonini M.T., et al. (1994) A method for determining the maximal steady state of blood lactate concentration from two levels of submaximal exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 69: 196-202 [full text]
Billat, V. L., Sirvent, P., Py, G., Koralsztein, J. P., & Mercier, J. (2003). The concept of maximal lactate steady state. Sports Medicine, 33(6), 407-426.
Borg, G. A., & Noble, B. J. (1974). Perceived exertion. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 2(1), 131-154. [full text]
Burnley, M. and Jones, A.M. (2007) Oxygen uptake kinetics as a determinant of sports performance, European Journal of Sport Science, Vol. 7, No. 2, 63 – 79 [full text]
Burnley, M., & Jones, A. M. (2018). Power–duration relationship: Physiology, fatigue, and the limits of human performance. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2016.1249524
Bräuer, E. K., & Smekal, G. (2020). VO2 Steady State at and Just Above Maximum Lactate Steady State Intensity. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 41(09): 574-581 DOI: 10.1055/a-1100-7253
Brink-Elfegoun, T., Kaijser, L., Gustafsson, T. and Ekblom, B. (2007) Maximal oxygen uptake is not limited by a central nervous system governor. Journal of Applied Physiology. Vol. 102, No. 2: 781–786. [Online]. Available from: doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00566.2006 [full text]
Brooks, G. A. (2018). The science and translation of lactate shuttle theory. Cell Metabolism, 27(4), 757-785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.008
Brooks, G. A. (2020). Lactate as a fulcrum of metabolism. Redox biology, 35, 101454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2020.101454
Brooks, G. A., Arevalo, J. A., Osmond, A. D., Leija, R. G., Curl, C. C., & Tovar, A. P. (2021) Lactate in contemporary biology: A phoenix risen. The Journal of Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP280955
Bruce, RA, Kusumi, F, and Hosmer, D. (1973) Maximal oxygen intake and nomographic assessment of functional aerobic impairment in cardiovascular disease. Am. Heart J. 85: 546-562[abstract]
Bosquet, L., Leger, L. & Legros, P. (2002) Methods to determine aerobic endurance Sports Med 32(11): 675-700 [full text]
Cairns, S. P. (2006). Lactic acid and exercise performance. Sports Medicine, 36(4), 279-291.
Carey, D.G., Raymond,R.L., Duoos B.A. (2002) Intra- and inter-observer reliability in selection of the heart rate deflection point during incremental exercise: comparison to a computer-generated deflection point Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 1, 115-121 [full text]
Carey, D. (2002) Assessment of the accuracy of the Conconi test in determining gas analysis anaerobic threshold. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 16(4) 641-644 [abstract]
Castagna, C., Impellizzeri,F.M., Rampinini, E., D’Ottavio,S. Manzi, V. (2008)The Yo—Yo intermittent recovery test in basketball players Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 11, 202-208.
Chalmers, S., Esterman, A., Eston, R., & Norton, K. (2015). Standardization of the Dmax method for calculating the second lactate threshold. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(7), 921-926. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0537
Christie, C. J.-A. and Ingram, B. (2001) Impact of training status on maximal oxygen uptake criteria attainment during running. South African Journal of Sports Medicine. Vol. 21, No. 1: 19–22. [full text]
Cooper, K.H. (1968) A means of assessing maximal oxygen intake. JAMA Vol. 203, 201-204 [abstract]
Conconi, F., Ferrari, M., Ziglio, P., Droghetti, P. and Codeca, L. (1982) Determination of the anaerobic threshold by a noninvasive field test in runners. Journal of Applied Physiology: Respiratory,Environmental and Exercise Physiology 52: 869- 873.
Conconi, F., Grazzi, G., Casoni, I., Guglielmini, C., Borsetto, C., Ballarin, E., Mazzoni, G., Patracchini, M., Manfredini, F.(1996)The Conconi Test: Methodology After 12 Years of Application Int J Sports Med 17(7): 509-519 [abstract]
Davis, J.A. (1985) Anaerobic threshold: review of the concept and directions for future research. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 6-18
Edwards, A. M., Clark, N. and Macfadyen, A. M. (2003) Lactate And Ventilatory Thresholds Reflect The Training Status Of Professional Soccer Players Where Maximum Aerobic Power Is Unchanged. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. Vol. 2: 23–29. [full text]
Ekblom, B. (2009) Counterpoint: maximal oxygen uptake is not limited by a central nervous system governor. Journal of Applied Physiology. Vol. 106, No. 1: 339–41; discussion 341–2. [Online]. Available from: doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.90844.2008a [full text]
Eston, R. & Reilly, T. (Ed.) (2009). Kinanthropometry and exercise physiology laboratory manual. Vol. 2: Physiology. (3rd Ed). London, Routledge [chapter 10: Aerobic exercise performance]
Fenstermaker, K.L., Plowman, S.A. and Looney, M.A. (1992) Validation of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test in females 65 years and older. Res Q Exerc Sport. Vol.63, No.3, 322-7 [abstract]
Ferretti, G., Fagoni, N., Taboni, A. et al. (2022) A century of exercise physiology: key concepts on coupling respiratory oxygen flow to muscle energy demand during exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04901-x
Gamelin FX, Coquart J, Ferrari N, et al (2006). Prediction of one hour running performance using constant duration tests. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 20(4) 735-739 [full text]
Gladden,L.B. (2004) Lactate metabolism: a new paradigm for the third millennium. The Journal of Physiology, 558, 5-30.[full text]
Goodwin, M.L., Harris, J.E., Hernández,A., Gladden, L.B. (2007) Blood Lactate Measurements and Analysis during Exercise: A Guide for Clinicians J Diabetes Sci Technol. 1(4): 558–569. [full text]
Guellich, A. and Seiler, S. (2010) Lactate profile changes in relation to training characteristics in junior elite cyclists. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. Vol. 5, No. 3: 316–327. [Online] [full text]
Harnish, C. R., Swensen, T. C. and Pate. R. R. (2001) Methods for estimating the maximal lactate steady state in trained cyclists. Med.Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 6, 1052–1055.[full text]
Harvey, J.A.(2011) A Review: Analyzing How Oxygen Uptake Kinetics Limit Exercise Performance. JEPonline 14(3):67-73 [full text]
Hellsten, Y., & Nyberg, M. (2015). Cardiovascular adaptations to exercise training. Comprehensive Physiology.6(1), 1-32.[abstract]
Heyward, V.H. (2010) Advanced fitness assessment and exercise prescription (6th Ed.) Champaign IL: Human Kinetics.[google books] [companion website][Step Test Protocols][Treadmill Protocols][Cycle Ergometer Protocols][lab briefing]
Hoffman,J (2006) Norms for Fitness, Performance and Health.Champaign IL: Human Kinetics [google books]
Howley,E.T., Bassett,D.R., Welch,H.G. (1995) Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake:review and commentary.Medecine & Science in Sports and Exercise 27(9)1292-1301 [full text]
Kalinski, M.I., Norkowski,H., Kerner,M.S. and Tkaczuk, W.G. (2002) Anaerobic Power Characteristics of Elite Athletes in National Level Team-Sport Games European Journal of Sport Science, 2(3) [full text]
Keir, D. A., Paterson, D. H., Kowalchuk, J. M., & Murias, J. M. (2018). Using ramp-incremental V̇ O2 responses for constant-intensity exercise selection. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 43(9), 882-892.
Jacobs, R. A., Rasmussen, P., Siebenmann, C., Díaz, V., Gassmann, M., Pesta, D., ... & Lundby, C. (2011). Determinants of time trial performance and maximal incremental exercise in highly trained endurance athletes. Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(5), 1422-1430. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00625.2011
Jamnick, N. A., Pettitt, R. W., Granata, C., Pyne, D. B., & Bishop, D. J. (2020). An examination and critique of current methods to determine exercise intensity. Sports Medicine, 1-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01322-8
Janssen, P. (2001) Lactate Threshold Training. Champaign, Il: Human Kinetics [google books]
Jones, A. M. and Doust, J. H. (1996) A 1 % treadmill grade most accurately reflects the energetic cost of outdoor running. Journal of Sport Sciences. Vol. 14: 321–327. [full text] (see image below)
Jones, A.M. & Doust, J.H. (1998) The validity of the lactate minimum test for determination of the maximal lactate steady state Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Vol.30, No.8, 1304-1313 [abstract]
Jones, A.M. and Burnley, M. (2009) Oxygen uptake kinetics: an underappreciated determinant of exercise performance. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 4(4), 524-32 [abstract]
Jones, A. & Carter, H. (2000) The Effect of Endurance Training on Parameters of Aerobic Fitness Sports Med 29(6), 373-386
Jones, A. M., Vanhatalo, A., Burnley, M., Morton, R. H., & Poole, D. C. (2010). Critical power: implications for determination of VO2ma and exercise tolerance. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 42(10), 1876-90.
Jones, A. M., & Vanhatalo, A. (2017). The ‘critical power’ concept: applications to sports performance with a focus on intermittent high-intensity exercise. Sports Medicine, 47(1), 65-78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0688-0
Jones, A. M., Burnley, M., Black, M. I., Poole, D. C., & Vanhatalo, A. (2019). The maximal metabolic steady state: redefining the ‘gold standard’. Physiological Reports, 7(10), e14098. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14098
Joyner, M. J. (1991). Modeling: optimal marathon performance on the basis of physiological factors. Journal of applied physiology, 70(2), 683-687. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1991.70.2.683
Joyner, M. J. (2017). Physiological limits to endurance exercise performance: influence of sex. The Journal of Physiology, 595(9), 2949-2954. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP272268
Keir, D.A., Iannetta, D., Mattioni Maturana, F. et al. (2021) Identification of Non-Invasive Exercise Thresholds: Methods, Strategies, and an Online App. Sports Med https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01581-z
Click here for a twitter thread started by @EricRawsonPhD that includes many images of people measuring oxygen uptake over many decades.
Kipp, S., Kram, R., & Hoogkamer, W. (2019). Extrapolating metabolic savings in running: implications for performance predictions. Frontiers in physiology, 10, 79. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00079
Kline, G.M., Porcari, J.P., Hintermeister, R., Freedson, P.S., Ward, A., McCarron, F., Ross, J. and Rippe, J.M. (1987) Estimation of a VO2ma from a one-mile track walk, gender, age, and body weight. Med.Sci.Sport Exerc. Vol.19, No.3, 253-259 [full text]
Lundby, C., & Robach, P. (2015). Performance enhancement: what are the physiological limits?. Physiology, 30(4), 282-292. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.00052.2014
Luttikholt, H., & Jones, A. M. (2022). Effect of protocol on peak power output in continuous incremental cycle exercise tests. European journal of applied physiology, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04880-5
Maud, P.J. & Foster C. (Eds)(2006) Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness (2nd Ed.). Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics [google books]
Mauger, A. R., & Sculthorpe, N. (2012). A new VO2max protocol allowing self-pacing in maximal incremental exercise. Br J Sports Med, 46(1), 59-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2011-090006
Mcardle, W.D., Katch, F.I., Pechar, G.S., et al (1972) Reliability and interrelationships between maximal oxygen intake, physical work capacity and step-test scores in college women Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 4, 182-186 [abstract]
Mcgehee, J.C., Tanner, C.J., & Houmard, J.A. (2005) A comparison of methods for estimating the lactate threshold.Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 19(3), 553–558 [full text]
Midgley, A. W., McNaughton, L. R. and Jones, A. M. (2007) Training to enhance the physiological determinants of long-distance running performance: can valid recommendations be given to runners and coaches based on current scientific knowledge? Sports Medicine. Vol. 37, No. 10: 857–880. [abstract]
Historical perspectives on the assessment of aerobic endurance
Historical perspectives on the assessment of aerobic endurance
Coggan, A. R., & Costill, D. L. (2022). A Brief History of Exercise Metabolism. In: McConell, G. (eds) Exercise Metabolism (pp. 1-18). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94305-9_1
Glancy, B., Kane, D. A., Kavazis, A. N., Goodwin, M. L., Willis, W. T., & Gladden, L. B. (2021). Mitochondrial lactate metabolism: history and implications for exercise and disease. The Journal of physiology, 599(3), 863-888. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP278930
Hawley, J. A., Maughan, R. J., & Hargreaves, M. (2015). Exercise metabolism: historical perspective. Cell metabolism, 22(1), 12-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.06.016
Hughson, R. L. (2009). Oxygen uptake kinetics: historical perspective and future directions. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism, 34(5), 840-850. https://doi.org/10.1139/H09-088
Robinson, S., Edwards, H. T., & Dill, D. B. (1937). New records in human power. Science, 85, 409–410. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.85.2208.409
Wackerhage, H., Gehlert, S., Schulz, H., Weber, S., Ring-Dimitriou, S., & Heine, O. (2022). Lactate thresholds and the simulation of human energy metabolism: Contributions by the cologne sports medicine group in the 1970s and 1980s. Frontiers in Physiology, 1308. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.899670
Millet, G. P., Burtscher, J., Bourdillon, N., Manferdelli, G., Burtscher, M., & Sandbakk, Ø. (2023). The VO2max Legacy of Hill and Lupton (1923)—100 Years On. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1(aop), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0229
Morrow, J.R., Jackson, A.W., Disch, J.G., Mood, D.P. (2010) Measurement and evaluation in human performance (4th ed) Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics [google books]
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Noakes, T. D. and Marino, F. E. (2009) Point: maximal oxygen uptake is limited by a central nervous system governor. Journal of Applied Physiology. Vol. 106, No. 1: 338–9; discussion 341. [Online]. Available from: doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.90844.2008 [full text]
Noonan, V. and Dean, E. (2000) Submaximal Exercise Testing: Clinical Application and Interpretation Physical Therapy Vol. 80, No. 8 . 782-807 [full text]
Norton,K., Norton, L., & Sadgrove, D. (2010) Position statement on physical activity and exercise intensity terminology Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 13: 496–502 [full text]
Owles, W. H. (1930). Alterations in the lactic acid content of the blood as a result of light exercise, and associated changes in the CO2-combining power of the blood and in the alveolar CO2 pressure. The Journal of physiology, 69(2), 214. https://dx.doi.org/10.1113%2Fjphysiol.1930.sp002646
Podlogar, T., Leo, P., & Spragg, J. (2022). Using VO2max as a marker of training status in athletes-can we do better?. Journal of Applied Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00723.2021
Poole, D. C., & Jones, A. M. (2017). Measurement of the maximum oxygen uptake VO2max: VO2peak is no longer acceptable. Journal of Applied Physiology, 122(4), 997-1002. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01063.2016
Poole, D.C. Rossiter, H.B., Brooks, G.A. Gladden, L.B. (2020) The anaerobic threshold: 50+ years of controversy J Physiol. DOI: 10.1113/JP279963
Poole, D. C., Burnley, M., Vanhatalo, A., Rossiter, H. B., & Jones, A. M. (2016). Critical power: an important fatigue threshold in exercise physiology. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 48(11), 2320. https://dx.doi.org/10.1249%2FMSS.0000000000000939
Puente-Maestu, L. (2020). Physiological rationale of commonly used clinical exercise tests. Pulmonology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pulmoe.2019.10.004
Pyne, D. B., Lee, H. and Swanwick. K.M. (2001) Monitoring the lactate threshold in world-ranked swimmers. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc.,33(2) 291–297 [full text].
Ramsbottom, R., Brewer, J., Williams, C. (1988) A progressive shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake. Br J Sports Med Vol. 22, 141-144 [abstract]
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Further Links
Further Links
A series of apps for using in the Ex Phys Lab - https://www.exphyslab.com/
A great website full of related blog articles - http://www.muscleoxygentraining.com/p/index.html
A non-exercise method for predicting VO2max
A wikipedia article on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test
The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Levels from www.topendsports.com
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing [click here]
Dalleck, L.C. and Kravitz, L. (n.d.) Optimize Aerobic Endurance [online] - a primer for initial understanding of VT, LT, AT
How to determine Anaerobic Threshold - An article from www.sports-fitness-advisor.com
Lacate Threshold Analysis software [click here] - see Newell et al (2007) above for more on this
Aerobic Tests on Scienceforsport.com website
A new way to predict your marathon pace (2020) https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/training/the-new-way-to-predict-your-marathon-pace/
Listen to a podcast
Listen to a podcast
Episode link https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts257/ or listen below
Mark Burnley, PhD, is an exercise physiologist at the University of Kent. Mark's main research interests include oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics, where an important application is how to optimally use warm-ups, as well as Critical Power, which forms the transition point (or transition area) between the heavy and severe exercise domains. Because of the non-steady-state nature of exercising above CP, it has significant importance in a large number of training and racing applications.
In this Episode you'll learn about:
In this Episode you'll learn about:
VO2 kinetics - what does it mean?
The fast and slow components oxygen uptake
Heavy priming exercise and its effects on VO2 kinetics (or the importance of a good, specific warm-up)
Critical Power (CP) - what is it and how does it compare to other "threshold concepts"
How to assess CP and use it in training
How fatigue develops differently in the different exercise intensity domains (moderate, heavy, severe) and interventions to minimise fatigue
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