$\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ is not altered by self-pacing during incremental exercise

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that incremental cycling to exhaustion that is paced using clamps of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) elicits higher $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ values compared to a conventional ramp incremental protocol when test duration is matched. Seven males completed three incremental tests to exhaustion to measure $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$. The incremental protocols were of similar duration and included: a ramp test at 30 W min⁻¹ with constant cadence (RAMP1); a ramp test at 30 W min⁻¹ with cadence free to fluctuate according to subject preference (RAMP2); and a self-paced incremental test in which the power output was selected by the subject according to prescribed increments in RPE (SPT). The subjects also completed a $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ ‘verification’ test at a fixed high-intensity power output and a 3-min all-out test. No difference was found for $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ between the incremental protocols (RAMP1 = 4.33 ± 0.60 L min⁻¹; RAMP2 = 4.31 ± 0.62 L min⁻¹; SPT = 4.36 ± 0.59 L min⁻¹; P > 0.05) nor between the incremental protocols and the peak $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }}$ measured during the 3-min all-out test (4.33 ± 0.68 L min⁻¹) or the $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ measured in the verification test (4.32 ± 0.69 L min⁻¹). The integrated electromyogram, blood lactate concentration, heart rate and minute ventilation at exhaustion were not different (P > 0.05) between the incremental protocols. In conclusion, when test duration is matched, SPT does not elicit a higher $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ compared to conventional incremental protocols. The striking similarity of $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ measured across an array of exercise protocols indicates that there are physiological limits to the attainment of $\dot{V}_{{{\text{O}}_{2} { \max }}}$ that cannot be exceeded by self-pacing.