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Erschienen in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 8/2014

01.08.2014 | Original Article

Ramp-incremented and RPE-clamped test protocols elicit similar VO2max values in trained cyclists

verfasst von: Allison M. Straub, Adrian W. Midgley, Gerald S. Zavorsky, Angela R. Hillman

Erschienen in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Ausgabe 8/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

The present study compared the efficacy of ramp incremented and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)-clamped test protocols for eliciting maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

Methods

Sixteen trained cyclists (age 34 ± 7 years) performed a ramp-incremented protocol and an RPE-clamped protocol 1 week apart in a randomized, counterbalanced order. The RPE-clamped protocol consisted of five, 2-min stages where subjects self-selected work rate and pedal cadence to maintain the prescribed RPE. After completing both test protocols subjects were asked which they preferred.

Results

The mean ± SD test time of 568 ± 72 s in the ramp protocol was not significantly different to the 600 ± 0 s in the RPE-clamped protocol (mean difference = 32 s; p = 0.09), or was the VO2max of 3.86 ± 0.73 L min−1 in the ramp protocol significantly different to the 3.87 ± 0.72 L min−1 in the RPE-clamped protocol (mean difference = 0.002 L min−1; p = 0.97). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed for peak power output (p = 0.21), maximal minute ventilation (p = 0.97), maximal respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.09), maximal heart rate (p = 0.51), and post-test blood lactate concentration (p = 0.58). The VO2max attained in the preferred protocol was significantly higher than the non-preferred protocol (mean difference = 0.14 L min−1; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The RPE-clamped test protocol was as effective as the ramp-incremented protocol for eliciting VO2max and could be considered as a valid alternative protocol, particularly where a fixed test duration is desirable.
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Metadaten
Titel
Ramp-incremented and RPE-clamped test protocols elicit similar VO2max values in trained cyclists
verfasst von
Allison M. Straub
Adrian W. Midgley
Gerald S. Zavorsky
Angela R. Hillman
Publikationsdatum
01.08.2014
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Ausgabe 8/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Elektronische ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2891-0

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