Accumulated oxygen deficit during supramaximal all-out and constant intensity exercise

Two studies were conducted to test the validity of an all-out procedure for the assessment of the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD). Subjects in study 1 (N = 9; VO2max = 57 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1 [+/- SEM]) completed three supramaximal efforts on a cycle ergometer. Exhaustive exercise during an all-out isokinetic procedure (mean intensity of 149% VO2max) was compared with constant intensity exercise at approximately 110% and 125% VO2max. Subjects in study 2 (N = 12; VO2max = 55 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1) completed a constant intensity test to exhaustion at approximately 110% VO2max and a 90 s all-out test on a Monark friction loaded cycle ergometer (mean intensity of 143% VO2max). The AOD within each study were not significantly different (study 1:43.9, 44.1, and 42.0 ml.kg-1 for the 110%, 125%, and all-out tests; study 2: 52.1 and 51.2 ml.kg-1 for the 110% and all-out tests, respectively; P > 0.05). The total amount of work was significantly greater the longer the test, the additional work being attributed to aerobic processes. The rate of both aerobic and anaerobic energy production in the first 30 s of exercise was directly related to exercise intensity and the protocol used. The results indicate that an all-out procedure provides a valid estimate of the maximal AOD and shows potential for a more complete assessment of anaerobic ability as traditional indices of high intensity exercise performance are also obtained.