Applicability of ??VO2max criteria: discontinuous versus continuous protocols

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Abstract
This study compared the classic discontinuous Taylor et al. (1955) protocol to a continuous version of the same protocol to evaluate maximal physiological responses, and the quantitative values and incidence of achievement of the various maximal oxygen uptake (˙VO2max) criteria in 10 males (24.1± 2.5 yr). Criteria were a plateau in ˙VO2 (change < 2.1 ml·kg-1·min-1), HR = age adjusted maximal, RER≥ 1.15, and lactate > 8 mmol·l-1. Values for˙VO2max (56.8 ± 4.7 vs 55.8 ± 4.2 ml·kg-1·min-1), ventilation (150.7 ± 16 vs 149.5 ± 17.5 l·min-1 BTPS), and HR (186.3 ± 7.7 beats·min-1 vs 191.7 ± 6.7 beats·min-1) were similar (P > 0.05) between the discontinuous protocol (DT) and the continuous protocol (CT), respectively. Values for RER (1.28 ± 0.05 vs 1.22 ± 0.05) and lactate (14.3 ± 2.7 vs 11.9 ± 2.7 mmol·l-1) were greater (P < 0.05) on the DT than the CT. Criteria achievement were the following: 40% (CT) and 10% (DT) for HR; 50% (CT) and 60% (DT) for a ˙VO2 plateau; and, 90% (CT) and 100% (DT) for RER and lactate. It is concluded that a ˙VO2 plateau is not a prerequisite for defining ˙VO2max and is of limited use as the primary objective criterion for evaluating the quality of a graded exercise test. Therefore, the achievement of secondary objective criteria, specifically RER and lactate in combination, increases the likelihood that the highest ˙VO2 value achieved is ˙VO2max.