Effects of 4-wk training using Vmax/Tmax on VO2max and performance in athletes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 4-wk individualized training program using Vmax as the exercise intensity and utilizing between 60 and 75% of a subject's Tmax as the exercise duration.


METHODS
Five male, middle-distance, trained subjects with the following characteristics (mean +/- SD): age, 22.8 +/- 4.5 yr; height, 181 +/- 4.7 cm; weight, 74.1 +/- 3.2 kg; skinfolds based on five areas, 35.9 +/- 3.9; and VO2max, 61.5 +/- 6.1 mL O2 x kg min(-1) volunteered to participate in this study. Before the training program, the subjects completed a 3000-m time trial, and three each of VO2max/Vmax and Tmax tests. Subjects then completed a 4-wk training program on the treadmill and were then retested on the VO2max/Vmax and Tmax tests.


RESULTS
Pretraining versus posttraining results showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in average Vmax (20.5 km x h(-1) vs 21.3 km x h(-1) posttraining), Tmax (225.5 s vs 300.9 s posttraining), and VO2max (61.5 mL O2 x kg x min(-1) vs 64.5 mL O2 x kg x min(-1)). The 3000-m time trial decreased significantly from a pretraining value of 616.6 s to a posttraining value of 599.6 s (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that by utilizing between 60 and 75% of Tmax as an exercise duration and using Vmax as an exercise intensity that these two parameters can be extremely valuable in the prescription of exercise programs for athletes.
Smith
T P
TP
Human Performance Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Australia.
McNaughton
L R
LR
Marshall
K J
KJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*