Supramaximal Testing to Confirm Attainment of VO sub(2)max in Sedentary Men and Women

Supramaximal testing is widely used to verify VO sub(2)max attainment, yet its efficacy in sedentary subjects is unknown. The aim of the study was to test this hypothesis in men and women completing maximal cycle ergometry. Fifteen sedentary subjects (age=22.4c3.9 year) completed incremental exercise, and returned at least 24 h later to complete constant load exercise at 105% peak work rate (Wmax). Another group of nine sedentary men and women (age=21.8c5 year) completed supramaximal exercise at 115% Wmax 1-1.5 h after incremental exercise. During exercise, gas exchange data and heart rate (HR) were continuously obtained. VO sub(2)max was similar (p>0.05) between incremental and supramaximal exercise in subjects in the first (32.32c4.81 mL/kg/min vs. 31.80c5.35 mL/kg/min) and second subset (40.63c3.61 mL/kg/min vs. 41.66c5.55 mL/kg/min). Maximal HR was lower (p