A 3-min all-out test to determine peak oxygen uptake and the maximal steady state.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the hypothesis that a 3-min all-out cycling test would provide a measure of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and estimate the maximal steady-state power output.


METHODS
Eleven habitually active subjects performed a ramp test, three 3-min all-out tests against a fixed resistance, and two further submaximal tests lasting up to 30 min, 15 W below or above the power output attained in the last 30 s of the 3-min test (the end-test power).


RESULTS
The VO2peak measured during the 3-min all-out test (mean +/- SD: 3.78 +/- 0.68 L x min(-1)) was not different from that of the ramp test (3.84 +/- 0.79 L x min(-1); P = 0.75). The end-test power (257 +/- 49 W) was significantly lower than that at the end of the ramp test (368 +/- 73 W) and significantly higher than the power at the gas exchange threshold (169 +/- 55 W; P < 0.001). Nine subjects were able to complete 30 min of exercise at 15 W below the end-test power, and seven of these did so with a steady-state blood [lactate] and VO2 response profile. In contrast, when subjects exercised at 15 W above the end-test power, blood [lactate] and VO2 rose inexorably until exhaustion, which occurred in approximately 13 +/- 7 min.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that a 3-min all-out exercise test can be used to establish VO2peak and to estimate the maximal steady state.
Burnley
Mark
M
Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK. mhb@aber.ac.uk
Doust
Jonathan H
JH
Vanhatalo
Anni
A
D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology
D019344:Lactic Acid