The influence of pacing strategy on VO2 and supramaximal kayak performance.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of manipulating pacing strategy on VO2 and kayak ergometer performance in well-trained paddlers. Eight well-trained kayak paddlers (500-m time = 115-125 s) first performed a graded exercise test for determination of VO2max and lactate (La-) parameters. On subsequent days and in a random, counterbalanced order, subjects performed a 2-min, kayak ergometer test using either an all-out start or even pacing strategy. There was a significantly greater peak power (747.6 +/- 152.0 vs 558.3 +/- 110.1 W) and average power (348.5 +/- 47.6 vs 335.5 +/- 44.8 W) using the all-out start strategy, when compared with the even-paced strategy. There was however, no significant difference between the two pacing strategies for peak VO2, accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD), peak [La-], or posttest pH. Using the all-out start, total VO2 was significantly greater (7.3 +/- 0.8 vs 6.9 +/- 0.8 L). The results of this study indicate that 2-min kayak ergometer performance is significantly greater following an all-out start strategy when compared with an even-paced strategy. The improved performance appears to be attributable to faster VO2 kinetics, without a significant change in the total AOD (although the AOD distribution was altered).