Time Course Changes in Confirmed ‘True’ VO2max After Individualized and Standardized Training

This study sought to examine time course changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) confirmed with verification testing following 12 weeks of standardized vs. individualized exercise training. Participants (N=39) were randomly allocated to differing exercise intensity prescription groups: ventilatory threshold (individualized) or % heart rate reserve (standardized). At baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, participants completed maximal exercise testing with a verification protocol to confirm ‘true VO2max.’ VO2max in the standardized group changed from 24.3±4.6 ml·kg−1·min−1 at baseline to 24.7±4.6, 25.9±4.7, and 26.0±4.2 ml·kg−1·min−1 at week 4, 8, and 12, respectively, with a significant difference (p<0.05) in VO2max at week 8 and 12 compared to baseline. The individualized group had increases in VO2max from online 2 9.5±7.5 ml·kg−1·min−1 at baseline to 30.6±8.4, 31.4±8.4, and 32.8±8.6 ml·kg−1·min−1 at week 4, 8, and 12, respectively. In the individualized group, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in VO2max from baseline to week 8 and 12 and a significant increase in VO2max from week 8 to 1 online 2. Although not statistically significant, our preliminary data demonstrates a more rapid and potent improvement in VO2max when exercise intensity is individualized. This is the first investigation to employ use of the verification procedure to confirm ‘true VO2max’ changes following exercise training using ventilatory thresholds.