Effects of 4-wk training using Vmax/Tmax on &OV0312;O2max and performance in athletes

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Abstract
Effects of 4-wk training using Vmax/Tmax on V̇O2max and performance in athletes. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 31, No. 6, pp. 892-896, 1999. Purpose: 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 V̇O2max, 61.5 ± 6.1 mL O2·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 V̇O2max/Vmax and Tmax tests. Subjects then completed a 4-wk training program on the treadmill and were then retested on the V̇O2max/Vmax and Tmax tests. Results: Pretraining versus posttraining results showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in average Vmax (20.5 km·h−1 vs 21.3 km·h−1 posttraining), Tmax (225.5 s vs 300.9 s posttraining), and V̇O2max (61.5 mL O2·kg·min−1 vs 64.5 mL O2·kg·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.