Peak cardiac power output in healthy, trained men.
Previous investigations into peak cardiac power output (CPO peak) have been limited to clinical populations and healthy, but non-athletic adults, and normative data on trained individuals would allow a greater understanding of this parameter. Therefore, we recruited eight healthy, well-trained male cyclists. Peak oxygen consumption ((.)VO₂ peak) was assessed using an incremental ergometer test, and following a 40-min recovery period, peak cardiac output ((.)QT peak) was measured during a constant load test that elicited (.)VO₂ peak (±5%) using the Defares CO₂ rebreathing technique. CPO peak was calculated as described by Cooke et al. (1998). Mean (±SD) values during the constant load test were: (.)VO₂ peak, 4.94 ± 0.41 l min⁻¹; (.)QT peak, 36.5 ± 3.7 l min⁻¹; mean arterial pressure, 123 ± 8 mmHg and CPO peak, 9.9 ± 1.0 W. These results demonstrate CPO peak in a well-trained population to be approximately twice those observed in healthy, but non-athletic adults. The current data provide useful information regarding the upper limits and possible 'trainability' of cardiac pumping capacity for sedentary and clinically compromised individuals.
Schlader
Zachary J
ZJ
Division of Exercise and Sports Science, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Mündel
Toby
T
Barnes
Matthew J
MJ
Hodges
Lynette D
LD
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling; D002302:Cardiac Output; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010809:Physical Fitness; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult