The effects of training on aerobic power and excess post exercise oxygen consumption

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training on aerobic power and the relationship to excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) after supramaximal exercise. Ten untrained males participated in a six week training study. The subjects performed pre and post training VO2max tests and anaerobic speed tests (ASTs). EPOC volume and EPOC rate components (tau(1) and tau(2)) as well as blood lactate responses were measured following a two minute supramaximal exercise test. Significant differences were evident between pre and post training VO2max (46.38+/-3.74 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) vs. 51.82+/-5.21 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) and 3.61+/-0.42 1 min(-1) vs. 4.00+/-0.44 1 min(-1); P<6.05). EPOC volume was significantly decreased following training (9.13+/-1.68 1 vs. 7.49+/-1.73 1; P<0.05). Significant differences were found between pre and post training tau(1) (2.69+/-0.19 min vs. 2.29+/-0.33 min; P<0.05) and tau(2) (43.74+/-5.12 min vs. 39.63+/-4.24 min; P<0.05). Blood lactate response was significantly decreased following training (15.28+/-1.80 mmol.l(-1) vs. 13.36+/-1.55 mmol.l(-1); P<0.05). A significant relationship was found between the change in VO2max and the change in blood lactate concentration (r=0.73; P<0.05). No significant relationships were evident between VO2max, EPOC volume, or EPOC recovery rates (P>0.05). Findings indicated that aerobic training could decrease the VO2 recovery volume and rate, as well as decrease the blood lactate response associated with anaerobic exercise. However, the rate and magnitude of the recovery VO2 from supramaximal work appear to be independent of VO2max.