WITHDRAWN:A New VO2maxProtocolAllowing Self-Pacing in Maximal Incremental Exercise.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher. The traditional VO2max protocol has received criticism for being an unnatural form of exercise, lacking ecological validity and producing different VO2max responses depending on protocol duration and work rate increments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to design and test a new VO2max protocol that allowed subjects to regulate and self-pace their work rate, whilst maintaining an incremental structure. METHODS: 16 untrained subjects completed the new Mauger-Sculthorpe test (MSP) and a traditional VO2max test in a counter-balanced, cross-over design. The MSP used incremental 'clamps' of RPE over 5×2 minute stages (10 minute duration), whilst allowing subjects to vary their power output according to the required RPE. RESULTS: Subjects achieved significantly higher (p < 0.05) VO2max values (40 ± 10 mL·kg·min vs. 37 ± 8 mL·kg·min) and peak power outputs (273 ± 58 W vs. 238 ± 55 W) in the MSP. Higher VO2max values were observed in the MSP, even when a plateau (VO2-time slope < 0.05 L·min) occurred in the traditional test. No differences were found between any other measured physiological variable (VE, HR, RER). CONCLUSIONS: As the MSP is a closed-loop test (10 minute duration) that allows subjects to self-pace their work rate, it disregards the need for experimenters to estimate starting work rates, stage lengths and increments in order to bring about volitional exhaustion in 8-10 minutes. The observation that the MSP may also elicit higher VO2max values than a traditional test warrants further research in this area and its considerationas standard measure to elicit VO2max.