Efficiency of trained subjects differing in maximal oxygen uptake and type of training

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Abstract
The relationship between energy expenditure and work rate on a bicycle ergometer was examined in 5 human sprinters and 5 distance runners who differed in maximal O2 uptake (.ovrhdot.VO2 max) and type of training. Each subject performed at work rates of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 watts (W). The relationship between energy expenditure and work rate was most accurately described by a quadratic curve for both groups: for sprinters, energy expenditure (kJ) = 11.57 + 0.1812 (W) + 0.00046 (W)2; for distance runners, energy expenditure (kJ) = 11.74 + 0.1386 (W) + 0.00060 (W)2. Delta efficiency (delta work accomplished .div. delta energy expended .times. 100%) decreased as work rate increased. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between groups in delta efficiency at the same work rate (P > 0.25) or at the same relative work rate (P > 0.75). Differences in .ovrhdot.VO2 max and/or type of training apparently have little or no causal effect on the decrease in delta efficiency with increasing work rate. The observed decrease in delta efficiency may be due to increases in metabolism not directly related to the performance of the external work or to an increasing amount of unmeasured work as work rate increases on a bicycle ergometer.

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