Lab and field V̇O2peak testing in highly trained cyclists

Received: 16.07.2019 Accepted: 18.11.2019 Online: 23.01.2020 The issues with traditional maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) testing include an inability to regulate intensity due to fixed resistance and a lack of conscious decision making during the test (Noakes, 2008). Depending on the test and conditions, some athletes do not reach V̇O2max despite reaching volitional exhaustion, and in this case, the result is recorded as the highest, or peak oxygen uptake attained in this test, known as V̇O2peak. To investigate this, a study was conducted to determine if a field-based test would result in a higher V̇O2peak value than a lab-based test. Twelve highly trained cyclists performed a 20w/minute ramp test on a cycle ergometer and a 3.2km hill climb on their own racing bike wearing a portable gas analyser (MetaMax 3b, Cortex GmbH, Leipzig, Germany). A paired t-test revealed that the hill climb resulted in a higher but not statistically significant absolute V̇O2peak: lab 5.49 ± 0.8 L·min vs. field 5.59 ± 0.7 L·min, p = .189 and relative V̇O2peak: lab 71.9 ± 10.0 ml·kg·min vs. field 74.0 ± 9.9 ml·kg·min, p = .060. Additionally, field testing resulted in a significantly higher RERmax: lab 1.07 ± 0.0 vs. field 1.16 ± 0.1, p = .019, end lactate: lab 9.24 ± 1.6 mmol·L vs. field 11.99 ± 2.3 mmol·L, p = .039, and 5-minute-post lactate: lab 7.56 ± 1.4 mmol·L vs. field 11.87 ± 2.0 mmol·L, p < 0.001. There was no difference in HRmax between tests: lab 187.9 ± 11.6 b·min vs. field 187.6 ± 10.6 b·min, p = .952. Slightly higher V̇O2peak values recorded during the field test may be explained by the closedloop format allowing riders to pace their effort better, the cooling effect of the wind outdoors, freedom to ride out-the-saddle (leading to greater muscle recruitment), or perhaps the sub-optimal length of the lab test 20.4 ± 3.0 mins vs 8.4 ± 1.2 mins field test. Findings suggest the increased ecological validity of field testing led to higher (but not statistically significant) V̇O2peak values and can be considered a viable alternative to labbased testing if a climb with suitable length and gradient is available.