A discontinuous graded exercise testing protocol did not significantly alter VO2peak compared to a continuous protocol in resistance-trained or endurance-trained males.
RCT (n=19)
Randomized crossover
No
Does a discontinuous modified Bruce protocol improve VO2peak compared to a continuous Bruce protocol in resistance-trained and endurance-trained males?
A discontinuous graded exercise test protocol with 10-minute rest periods does not yield higher VO2peak values than a continuous protocol in either resistance-trained or endurance-trained males.
Absolute Event Rate: 54.52% vs 55.18%
p-value: p=0.748
International Journal of Exercise Science 15(4): 414-422, 2022. Traditional graded exercise testing to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) may not well represent resistance-trained athletes due to their unfamiliarity with continuous exercise. For this reason, it is possible discontinuous exercise protocols may better represent the maximum capacity for aerobic metabolism in resistance-trained athletes, in order to provide a more valid assessment of VO2max and risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to compare VO2peak during a continuous and discontinuous modified Bruce protocol in both highly resistance-trained and endurance-trained males. Methods: 19 college-aged males (age: 20.6 ± 1.9 yr, height: 176.5 ± 7.6 cm, weight: 85.0 ± 25.6 kg) of intermediate resistance- or endurance-trained status were recruited for this study. Participants completed a continuous and discontinuous modified Bruce protocol on two visits separated by seven days. Results: A 2x2 one-way ANOVA revealed a significant group main effect for VO2peak (p = 0.004) in which endurance athletes achieved significantly higher VO2peak values compared to resistance-trained athletes. A significant group main effect for RPE was found (p = 0.045) in which endurance-trained reported significantly higher RPE values than the resistance-trained. A significant main effect for protocol for heart rate (p = 0.033) was found in which individuals achieved higher heart rates during the continuous protocol compared to the discontinuous. Conclusion: Although a discontinuous protocol with rest periods between stages is comparable to the exercise mode familiar to resistance-trained athletes, it did not provide any additional benefit to VO2peak values.
Shepherd et al. (Sat,) conducted a rct in Healthy resistance-trained and endurance-trained males (n=19). Discontinuous modified Bruce protocol vs. Continuous Bruce protocol was evaluated on VO2peak (ml/kg/min) (p=0.748). A discontinuous graded exercise testing protocol did not significantly alter VO2peak compared to a continuous protocol in resistance-trained or endurance-trained males.
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