Confirming the attainment of maximal oxygen uptake within special and clinical groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiopulmonary exercise test and verification phase protocols.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A plateau in oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) during an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to volitional exhaustion appears less likely to occur in special and clinical populations. Secondary maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) criteria have been shown to commonly underestimate the actual [Formula: see text]. The verification phase protocol might determine the occurrence of 'true' [Formula: see text] in these populations. The primary aim of the current study was to systematically review and provide a meta-analysis on the suitability of the verification phase for confirming 'true' [Formula: see text] in special and clinical groups. Secondary aims were to explore the applicability of the verification phase according to specific participant characteristics and investigate which test protocols and procedures minimise the differences between the highest [Formula: see text] values attained in the CPET and verification phase. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched using specific search strategies and relevant data were extracted from primary studies. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to quantify weighted mean differences (standard deviations) in peak [Formula: see text] from a CPET and a verification phase within study groups using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses investigated the differences in [Formula: see text] according to individual characteristics and test protocols. The methodological quality of the included primary studies was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist to obtain a level of evidence. Participant-level [Formula: see text] data were analysed according to the threshold criteria reported by the studies or the inherent measurement error of the metabolic analysers and displayed as Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were included in the systematic review, whilst 30 presented quantitative information for meta-analysis. Within the 30 studies, the highest mean [Formula: see text] values attained in the CPET and verification phase protocols were similar (mean difference = -0.00 [95% confidence intervals, CI = -0.03 to 0.03] L·min-1, p = 0.87; level of evidence, LoE: strong). The specific clinical groups with sufficient primary studies to be meta-analysed showed a similar [Formula: see text] between the CPET and verification phase (p > 0.05, LoE: limited to strong). Across all 30 studies, [Formula: see text] was not affected by differences in test protocols (p > 0.05; LoE: moderate to strong). Only 23 (53.5%) of the 43 reviewed studies reported how many participants achieved a lower, equal, or higher [Formula: see text] value in the verification phase versus the CPET or reported or supplied participant-level [Formula: see text] data for this information to be obtained. The percentage of participants that achieved a lower, equal, or higher [Formula: see text] value in the verification phase was highly variable across studies (e.g. the percentage that achieved a higher [Formula: see text] in the verification phase ranged from 0% to 88.9%). CONCLUSION: Group-level verification phase data appear useful for confirming a specific CPET protocol likely elicited [Formula: see text], or a reproducible [Formula: see text], for a given special or clinical group. Participant-level data might be useful for confirming whether specific participants have likely elicited [Formula: see text], or a reproducible [Formula: see text], however, more research reporting participant-level data is required before evidence-based guidelines can be given. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42021247658) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.

Multimodal and conventional resistance training interventions improve muscle function in older adults: Findings from the Training IMCT study.

Age-associated remodeling processes affect the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) network, which may significantly impair muscle function. Thus, we aimed to test whether including exercises shown to efficiently target the IMCT to a conventional resistance exercise intervention (CONV) would result in greater functional gains as compared to CONV alone. Fifty-three men and women (66.2 ± 3.3 years) were assigned to either CONV (n = 15), multimodal training (MULTI; n = 17) or a control (CTRL; n = 21) group. All subjects were tested at baseline, and those assigned to CONV or MULTI underwent a 16-week training intervention. The CONV group followed a progressive resistance training program, in which the number of weekly training sessions gradually increased from 1 to 3. In the MULTI group, one of these sessions was replaced with plyometric training, followed by self-myofascial release. Testing included maximal strength and power, imaging-based muscle volume, architecture, and functional performance. The intervention effects were analyzed using two- or three-way repeated measures ANOVA models (α = 0.05). Briefly, the maximal knee extension isometric contraction, one-repetition maximum, and isokinetic peak torque increased in all groups (p < 0.05), albeit to a lesser extent in CTRL. On the other hand, quadriceps femoris muscle volume (p = 0.019) and vastus lateralis pennation angle (p < 0.001) increased only in the MULTI group. Handgrip strength did not change in response to the intervention (p = 0.312), whereas Sit-to-Stand performance improved in all groups after the first 8-wks, but only in MULTI and CONV after 16-wks (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that a resistance training intervention in which one weekly training session is replaced by plyometric training is feasible and as effective as a program consisting solely of conventional strength training sessions for inducing gains in muscle strength and function in older adults. Muscle size and architecture improved only in the MULTI group. German Clinical Trials: DRKS00015750.

High-velocity resistance training improves executive function in mobility-limited older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of high-velocity resistance training (HVRT) on the executive function of middle-aged and older adults with and without mobility limitations. METHODS: Participants (n = 41, female: 48.9%) completed a supervised 12-week HVRT intervention (2 sessions/week; at 40-60% of one-repetition maximum). The sample included 17 middle-aged adults (40-55 years); 16 older adults (>60 years) and 8 mobility-limited older adults (LIM). Executive function was assessed before and after the intervention period and was reported as z-scores. Maximal dynamic strength, peak power, quadriceps muscle thickness, maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC), and functional performance were also measured pre and post intervention. Training-related adaptations in cognitive measures were calculated using a Generalized Estimating Equation model. RESULTS: HVRT improved executive function in LIM (adjusted marginal mean differences [AMMD]: 0.21; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.38; p = 0.040) although no effect on middle-aged (AMMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.09; 0.17; p = 0.533) and older (AMMD: -0.11; 95%CI: -0.25; 0.02; p = 0.107) participants was observed. Improvements in maximal dynamic strength, peak power, MVIC, quadriceps muscle thickness, and functional performance were all associated with changes in executive function, and changes in the first four also seem to mediate the association between changes in functional performance and executive function. CONCLUSIONS: HVRT-induced improvement in executive function of mobility-limited older adults were mediated by changes in lower-body muscle strength, power, and muscle thickness. Our findings reinforce the relevance of muscle-strengthening exercises to preserve cognition and mobility in older adults.

Water-Based Training Programs Improve Functional Capacity, Cognitive and Hemodynamic Outcomes? The ACTIVE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: To compare the effects of 16 weeks of aerobic training (AT) to 8 weeks of AT followed by 8 weeks of combined training (CT), as well as to a control group (CG), on the functional, cognitive and hemodynamic responses of older women exercising in the aquatic environment. Materials and Methods: The study is a three-armed parallel randomized controlled clinical trial. For this, 52 older women were first randomized in an aerobic training (AT; n = 35) or control group (CG; n = 17). After 8 weeks of intervention, participants from AT group were again randomized into another 8-week period of either AT (n = 17) or combined training (CT; n = 18). AT was performed at the percentage of the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold, resistance training was performed with sets at maximal effort and the control group performed low-intensity therapeutic exercises in water. All outcomes were assessed before (week 0) and after the intervention (week 17). In addition, some outcomes were also investigated in the middle timepoint (week 9). Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests (α = 0.05) were used to compare timepoints and groups. Results: All groups similarly improved functional capacity (3-11%) and blood pressure (-4 to -10%), whereas cognitive function was not modified for any group. Conclusion: Water-based training programs and therapeutic exercises (i.e., CG) improve functional capacity and blood pressure responses in older women. Clinical Trials NCT03892278.

Exercise intervention does not reduce the likelihood of VO2max underestimation in older adults with hypertension.

The present study aimed to investigate whether training status would influence the capacity of a verification phase (VER) to confirm maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of a previous graded exercise test (GXT) in individuals with hypertension. Twelve older adults with hypertension (8 women) were recruited. Using a within-subject design, participants performed a treadmill GXT to exhaustion followed by a multistage VER both before and after a 12-wkcombined exercise training programme. Individual VO2max, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), maximal heart rate (HRmax), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during both GXT and VER tests. Absolute and relative VO2max values were higher in VER than in GXT at baseline, but only absolute VO2max differed between bouts post-intervention (all p < 0.05). Individual VO2max comparisons revealed that 75% of the participants (9/12) achieved a VO2max value that was ≥3% during VER both before (range: +4.9% to +21%) and after the intervention (range: +3.4% to +18.8%), whereas 91.7% (11/12) of the tests would have been validated as a maximal effort if the classic criteria were employed. A 12-wk combined training intervention could not improve the capacity of older adults with hypertension to achieve VO2max during a GXT, as assessed by VER.

High-velocity resistance training mitigates physiological and functional impairments in middle-aged and older adults with and without mobility-limitation.

The aim of the present study was to compare the neuromuscular, morphological, and functional responses to a high-velocity resistance training (HVRT) program between three cohorts: middle-aged adults (40-55 years, n = 18), healthy older adults (> 60 years, n = 18), and mobility-limited older adults (n = 8). Participants were tested before and after a 4-week control period and then assigned to a 12-week HVRT intervention. Investigated outcomes included ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and quality, maximal dynamic strength (1RM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and muscle activation (sEMG), as well as muscle power and functional performance. After the intervention, quadriceps muscle thickness, 1RM, and sEMG improved in all three groups (all p < 0.05), whereas muscle quality improved only in middle-aged and older participants (p ≤ 0.001), and MVIC only in middle-aged and mobility-limited older adults (p < 0.05). With a few exceptions, peak power improved in all groups from 30-90% 1RM (p < 0.05) both when tested relative to pre-training or post-training 1RM workloads (all p < 0.05). Both mobility-limited older adults and older adults improved their short physical performance battery score (p < 0.05). Chair stand, stair climb, maximal gait speed, and timed up-and-go performance, on the other hand, improved in all three groups (p < 0.05), but no change was observed for habitual gait speed and 6-min walk test performance. Overall, our results demonstrate that a HVRT intervention can build a stronger foundation in middle-aged individuals so that they can better deal with age-related impairments at the same time that it can mitigate already present physiological and functional impairments in older adults with and without mobility-limitation.

Quality of life responses after combined and aerobic water-based training programs in older women: a randomized clinical trial (ACTIVE Study).

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) is an important health index for older adults. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of aerobic training to 8 weeks of aerobic followed by 8 weeks of combined (i.e., resistance and aerobic exercises) training, as well as to a control group on the QoL of older women exercising in the aquatic environment. METHODS: 52 older women were first randomized to either aerobic training (n = 35) or a control group (n = 17). After 8 weeks of intervention, participants initially assigned to the aerobic training group were again randomized to either 8 additional weeks of aerobic (n = 17) or combined training (n = 18). Aerobic training was performed at the heart rate percentage associated with the anaerobic threshold, while resistance training sets were performed at maximal effort. The control group performed low-intensity water-based therapeutic exercises. QoL was assessed before (week 0) and after the intervention (week 17) using the WHOQOL-BREEF and WHOQOL-OLD questionnaires. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05) were used to compare time points and groups. RESULTS: QoL improved significantly only in the training groups after the 16-week training intervention, whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. In addition, autonomy, environment, and present, past and future activities domains were more impacted after combined training. CONCLUSION: QoL improved only in the water-based training groups, and the addition of resistance exercises to the training program resulted in additional benefits to autonomy, environment, and past, present, and future activities domains. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT03892278.

Aerobic and combined water-based trainings in older women: effects on strength and cardiorespiratory outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the muscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations of two water-based training programs in older women. METHODS: Volunteers were divided between a water-based aerobic training (WBA; N.=13), water-based combined training (WBC; N.=11) or an active control group (CG; N.=9) and those assigned to WBA and WBC exercised twice a week for 12 weeks. All outcomes of interest were assessed prior and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α=0.05). Aerobic training was performed at the percentage of the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold and resistance training during WBC was performed with sets at maximal effort. RESULTS: Improvements were observed for the maximal knee extension dynamic strength (1RM) and oxygen uptake (VO2) corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold for both WBA and WBC (1RM: 16±12% vs. 15±16%; VO2: 20±24% vs. 23±13%, respectively), whereas VO2 peak improved in all three groups (WBA: 23±21%; WBC: 18±9%; CG: 7±16%). No increase was found for horizontal chest press 1RM (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that WBA, WBC and CG are effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, however, only water-based training programs (WBA and WBC) appear capable of improving the maximal strength of the lower limbs.

Using Bodyweight as Resistance Can Be a Promising Avenue to Promote Interval Training: Enjoyment Comparisons to Treadmill-Based Protocols.

Purpose: Even though multiple training methods appear to be effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, they also need to be perceived as tolerable or enjoyable by exercisers to maximize long-term behavioral maintenance. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare perceived enjoyment between whole-body interval training (SIT-WB), treadmill-based interval training (SIT-T) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Method: Forty-one healthy adult men (age: 23.7 ± 0.7 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.01 m, body mass: 78.5 ± 1.7 kg; VO2max: 46.7 ± 7.3 ml.kg-1.min-1) were randomly assigned to SIT-WB, SIT-T, or MICT and underwent 16 weeks of training (3x/w). SIT-WB and SIT-T completed eight 20 s bouts interspersed by 10 s passive recovery, differing as to the exercise mode performed (i.e., calisthenics exercises and treadmill running, respectively) whereas MICT participants ran for 30 min at an intensity below the second ventilatory threshold. Perceived enjoyment was assessed 10 min post-exercise at weeks 1, 5, 9, 13, and 16, using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Results: Compliance was high (~90%) across all three training groups (p = .803). All training modes were rated as enjoyable and no significant within- (F(4, 152) = 1.132, p = .344) or between-group (F(2, 38) = 0.662, p = .521) differences were found during the intervention period. Conclusions: These results suggest that SIT-WB can be employed as an enjoyable low-cost alternative to traditional treadmill-based SIT and MICT for up to 16 weeks.

High-velocity resistance training as a tool to improve functional performance and muscle power in older adults.

The aging process results in several physiological impairments that, in turn, may predispose older individuals to a series of restrictions on their functional capacity. These impairments are important to understand so that suitable conditions for healthier aging can be pursued. In this review, we first summarize the effects of aging on the neuromuscular system, as well as on the relation between the main age-associated physiological impairments and functional performance with an emphasis on muscle power output. We then proceed to discuss the effects of resistance training, specifically high-velocity resistance training (HVRT), on the aforementioned neuromuscular impairments, and on functional performance in healthy and mobility-limited older adults. Collectively, available evidence suggests that HVRT seems to be a safe and effective intervention for improving muscle power, functional performance, and mobility of older individuals. It also seems that mobility-limited older adults may improve power and functional performance to a greater extent than their healthy counterparts after HVRT, which is in line with the principle of diminishing returns. Considering that only a very limited number of investigations directly compared the effects of HVRT in more than one of the aforementioned groups, studies comparing the adaptations to HVRT of middle-aged adults and older adults with distinct functional capacities would be valuable to determine whether there are differences in neuromuscular adaptations, functional performance, and functional reserve among these groups.

Maximal Oxygen Uptake Is Underestimated during Incremental Testing in Hypertensive Older Adults: Findings from the HAEL Study.

PURPOSE: The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether a maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) verification phase (VER) could improve the accuracy of a previous graded exercise test (GXT) to assess individual V˙O2max in hypertensive individuals. METHODS: Thirty-three older adults with hypertension (24 women) taking part in the Hypertension Approaches in the Elderly Study (NCT03264443) were recruited. Briefly, after performing a treadmill GXT to exhaustion, participants rested for 10 min and underwent a multistage VER to confirm GXT results. Individual V˙O2max, RER, maximal heart rate (HRmax), and RPE were measured during both GXT and VER tests. Mean values were compared between bouts using paired sample t-tests, and V˙O2max was also compared between GXT and VER on an individual basis. RESULTS: Testing was well tolerated by all participants. Both absolute (P = 0.011) and relative (P = 0.014) V˙O2max values were higher in VER than that in GXT. RER (P < 0.001) and RPE (P = 0.002) were lower in VER, whereas HRmax (P = 0.286) was not different between the two trials. Individual V˙O2max comparisons revealed that 54.6% of the participants (18/33) achieved a V˙O2max value that was ≥3% during VER (mean = 13.5%, range = +3% to +22.1%, ES = 0.062), whereas 87.9% (29/33) of the tests would have been validated as a maximal effort if the classic criteria were used (i.e., V̇O2 plateau or at least two secondary criteria). CONCLUSION: In sedentary older individuals with hypertension, GXT to exhaustion underestimated V˙O2max in more than half of tested participants, even when established, but criticized criteria were used to confirm whether a maximal effort was attained. Using VER after GXT is a quick approach to assist with the verification of an individual's V˙O2max.

Kinematic Comparison of the Roundhouse Kick Between Taekwondo, Karate, and Muaythai.

ABSTRACT: Diniz, R, Del Vecchio, FB, Schaun, GZ, Oliveira, HB, Portella, EG, da Silva, ES, Formalioni, A, Campelo, PCC, Peyré-Tartaruga, LA, and Pinto, SS. Kinematic comparison of the roundhouse kick between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 198-204, 2021-The roundhouse kick (RHK) is frequently executed in taekwondo, karate, and muaythai because of its high technical effectiveness during combat. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematic characteristics during RHK performance between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai athletes. Forty-seven male athletes (25.5 ± 4.7 years, 1.75 ± 0.1 m, and 75.8 ± 11.5 kg) volunteered to participate (taekwondo: 17; karate: 15; and muaythai: 15). Self-selected distance from target, mean and peak fifth metatarsus linear velocity (LV5mean; LV5peak), mean and peak hip (HAVmean; HAVpeak) and knee (KAVmean; KAVpeak) angular velocities, as well as target linear acceleration (TLA) were analyzed with a 3D video motion analysis system. Comparisons between modalities were performed with 1-way analysis of variances and Bonferroni's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Self-selected distance was lower in muaythai compared with taekwondo and karate (p < 0.001). Also, karate had greater LV5mean compared with muaythai (p = 0.001), and muaythai showed higher HAVmean than karate (p = 0.011). In addition, HAVpeak was greater in muaythai than in taekwondo and karate (p < 0.001). No differences were found for KAVmean, KAVpeak, and TLA. Although it is similarly described between modalities, RHK showed distinct kinematic characteristics between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. Based on these results, coaches and athletes can improve their RHK technique according to the specificities of each combat sport. Specifically, it is suggested that combat strategies should aim to increase the distance from the opponent during combat for muaythai athletes, whereas taekwondo and karate athletes should focus on decreasing it.

Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training Induce Similar Cardiorespiratory Adaptations Compared With Traditional High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Healthy Men.

Schaun, GZ, Pinto, SS, Silva, MR, Dolinski, DB, and Alberton, CL. Sixteen weeks of whole-body high-intensity interval training induce similar cardiorespiratory responses compared with traditional high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training in healthy men. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2730-2742, 2018-Low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols that use the body weight as resistance could be an interesting and inexpensive alternative to traditional ergometer-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT-T) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Therefore, our aim was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of whole-body HIIT (HIIT-WB), HIIT-T, and MICT on maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), second ventilatory threshold (VT2), and running economy (RE) outcomes. Fifty-five healthy men (23.7 ± 0.7 years, 1.79 ± 0.01 m, 78.5 ± 1.7 kg) were randomized into 3 training groups (HIIT-T = 17; HIIT-WB = 19; MICT = 19) for 16 weeks (3× per week). The HIIT-T group performed eight 20-second bouts at 130% of the velocity associated to V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) interspersed by 10-second passive recovery on a treadmill, whereas HIIT-WB group performed the same protocol but used calisthenics exercises at an all-out intensity instead of treadmill running. Finally, MICT group exercised for 30 minutes at 90-95% of the heart rate (HR) associated to VT2. After the intervention, all groups improved V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, time to exhaustion (Tmax), VT2, velocity associated with VT2 (vVT2), and time to reach VT2 (tVT2) significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, Tmax, vVT2, and tVT2 were greater after HIIT-T compared with HIIT-WB (p < 0.05), whereas oxygen uptake increased and HR decreased during the RE test in all groups (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that HIIT-WB can be as effective as traditional HIIT while also being time-efficient compared with MICT to improve health-related outcomes after 16 weeks of training. However, HIIT-T and MICT seem preferable to enhance performance-related outcomes compared with HIIT-WB.

High-Intensity Interval Exercises' Acute Impact on Heart Rate Variability: Comparison Between Whole-Body and Cycle Ergometer Protocols.

Schaun, GZ and Del Vecchio, FB. High-intensity interval exercises' acute impact on heart rate variability: comparison between whole-body and cycle ergometer protocols. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 223-229, 2018-Study aimed to compare the effects of 2 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on heart rate variability. Twelve young adult males (23.3 ± 3.9 years, 177.8 ± 7.4 cm, 76.9 ± 12.9 kg) volunteered to participate. In a randomized cross-over design, subjects performed 2 HIIT protocols, 1 on a cycle ergometer (Tabata protocol [TBT]; eight 20-second bouts at 170% Pmax interspersed by 10-second rest) and another with whole-body calisthenic exercises (McRae protocol; eight 20-second all-out intervals interspersed by 10-second rest). Heart rate variability outcomes in the time, frequency, and nonlinear domains were assessed on 3 moments: (a) presession; (b) immediately postsession; and (c) 24 hours postsession. Results revealed that RRmean, Ln rMSSD, Ln high frequency (HF), and Ln low frequency (LF) were significantly reduced immediately postsession (p ≤ 0.001) and returned to baseline 24 h after both protocols. In addition, LF/HF ratio was reduced 24 h postsession (p ≤ 0.01) and SD2 was significantly lower immediately postsession only in TBT. Our main finding was that responses from heart rate autonomic control were similar in both protocols, despite different modes of exercise performed. Specifically, exercises resulted in a high parasympathetic inhibition immediately after session with subsequent recovery within 1 day. These results suggest that subjects were already recovered the day after and can help coaches to better program training sessions with such protocols.

The Maximal Oxygen Uptake Verification Phase: a Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Commonly performed during an incremental test to exhaustion, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) assessment has become a recurring practice in clinical and experimental settings. To validate the test, several criteria were proposed. In this context, the plateau in oxygen uptake (V̇O2) is inconsistent in its frequency, reducing its usefulness as a robust method to determine "true" V̇O2max. Moreover, secondary criteria previously suggested, such as expiratory exchange ratios or percentages of maximal heart rate, are highly dependent on protocol design and often are achieved at V̇O2 percentages well below V̇O2max. Thus, an alternative method termed verification phase was proposed. Currently, it is clear that the verification phase can be a practical and sensitive method to confirm V̇O2max; however, procedures to conduct it are not standardized across the literature and no previous research tried to summarize how it has been employed. Therefore, in this review the knowledge on the verification phase was updated, while suggestions on how it can be performed (e.g. intensity, duration, recovery) were provided according to population and protocol design. Future studies should focus to identify a verification protocol feasible for different populations and to compare square-wave and multistage verification phases. Additionally, studies assessing verification phases in different patient populations are still warranted.

HR, ̇V̇O2, and RPE Relationships in an Aquatic Incremental Maximum Test Performed by Young Women.

David, GB, Andrade, LS, Schaun, GZ, and Alberton, CL. HR, V̇O2, and RPE relationships in an aquatic incremental maximum test performed by young women. J Strength Cond Res 31(10): 2852-2858, 2017-The purpose of the study was to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (V̇O2), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence (CAD) in an aquatic incremental maximum test performed during a water-based stationary running exercise. The study also verified the best adjustments for these relationships (linear or polynomial). Thirteen young college women (mean ± SD: 23.15 ± 1.72 years, 21.43 ± 2.09 body mass index) participated in the study. They performed an aquatic incremental maximum test during a water-based stationary running exercise. The experimental protocol started at an initial CAD of 80 b·min, and it was followed by increases of 10 b·min every minute until exhaustion. V̇O2, HR, and RPE were measured along the test. Linear and polynomial regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship among the percentage of peak V̇O2 (%V̇O2peak), percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax), RPE, and CAD to determine the best adjustment for each analysis (α = 0.05). The polynomial regression showed the best adjustments for all analysis. Data revealed a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between %V̇O2peak and %HRmax (r = 0.858), %HRmax and RPE (r = 0.823), and %V̇O2peak and RPE (r = 0.871). Regarding the relationship between these above-mentioned variables and CAD, all of them were significant (p < 0.001), with r = 0.848 for CAD and %HRmax, r = 0.877 for CAD and %V̇O2peak and r = 0.878 for CAD and RPE. It was concluded that all analyzed variables are associated and their relationships are in a polynomial quadratic form. Based on the findings, instructors may use the positive relationships between %V̇O2peak, %HRmax, and RPE to efficiently prescribe water-based training sessions.