Maximal Oxygen Uptake, Muscular Oxidative Capacity, and Ventilatory Threshold in Amateur Triathletes: Eight-Month Training Follow-Up

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Assis, Mateus Guilherme Calixto ; Barbosa Junior, Jose Geraldo Gomes ; Seffrin, Aldo ; Souza, Vinicius Ribeiro dos Anjos ; Vivan, Lavinia ; Rodrigues, Mila Alves Matos ; de Lira, Claudio Andre Barbosa ; Vancini, Rodrigo Luiz ; Knechtle, Beat ; Weiss, Katja ; Andrade, Marilia Santos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE; v. 15, p. 9-pg., 2024-01-01.

Abstract

Purpose: Endurance sports performance is influenced by several factors, including maximal oxygen uptake ((V)over dotO(2)max), the percentage of (V)over dotO(2)max that can be sustained in endurance events, running economy, and body composition. Traditionally, (V)over dotO(2)max can be measured as an absolute value, adjusted for body mass, reflecting the athlete's central capacity (maximal cardiac output), or adjusted for lean mass (LM), reflecting the athlete's peripheral capacity (muscular oxidative capacity). The present study aims to evaluate absolute, total body mass, and lower limb LM-adjusted (V)over dotO(2)max, ventilatory thresholds (VT), respiratory compensation points (RCP), and body composition during two training periods separated by 8 months. Patients and Methods: Thirteen competitive amateur triathletes [seven men (40.7 +/- 13.7 years old, 76.3 +/- 8.3kg, and 173.9 +/- 4.8cm) and six women (43.5 +/- 6.9 years old, 55.0 +/- 2.7kg, 164.9 +/- 5.2cm)] were evaluated for body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and (V)over dotO(2)max, VT, RPC, and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with a cardiorespiratory maximal treadmill test. Results: The absolute (V)over dotO(2)max (p = 0.003, d = 1.05), body mass-adjusted (V)over dotO(2)max (p < 0.001, d = 1.2859), and MAS (p = 0.047, d = 0.6139) values differed significantly across evaluation periods. Lower limb LM-adjusted (V)over dotO(2)max (p = 0.083, d = -0.0418), % (V)over dotO(2)max at VT (p = 0.541, d = -0.1746), speed at VT (p = 0.337, d = -0.2774), % (V)over dotO(2)max at RCP (p = 0.776, d = 0.0806), and speed at RCP (p = 0.436, d = 0.2234) showed no difference. Conclusion: The sensitivities of (V)over dotO(2)max adjusted for body mass and (V)over dotO(2)max adjusted for LM to detect changes in physical training state differ. Furthermore, decreases in physical fitness level, as evaluated by (V)over dotO(2)max values, are not accompanied by changes in VT. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/08114-1 - Physiological characteristics of the olympic distance amateur triathlete and the associations with performance
• Grantee: Marilia dos Santos Andrade
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants