Key result
A review of A.V. Hill's work shows he believed humans reach a maximum oxygen consumption of about 4 L/min at 16 km/h, but he neither invented the plateau phenomenon nor measured cardiac output.
This historical review challenges the modern interpretation that A.V. Hill and Lupton established the 'plateau phenomenon' to prove VO2max or measured cardiac output to show it limits maximal exercise.
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Modern attributions of the VO2max plateau and cardiac output limitation to A.V. Hill lack historical basis; challenges prevailing narratives in exercise physiology.
Timothy D. Noakes (2008) conducted a review in Exercise physiology. A.V. Hill's publications was evaluated. A review of A.V. Hill's work shows he believed humans reach a maximum oxygen consumption of about 4 L/min at 16 km/h, but he neither invented the plateau phenomenon nor measured cardiac output.
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