Training at the ventilatory threshold and its effect on cardiovascular fitness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of training at the ventilatory threshold on cardiovascular fitness. 12 students from Marsiling Primary school (mean age = 9.8) participated in the study. Maximal exercise tests on a treadmill and 1.6km runs were performed before and after the training programme. The V∙O2 at the ventilatory threshold (V∙O2 @Vpt) was determined from the pre-training exercise test, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) elicited at V∙O2 @Vpt were recorded as well. These students then completed 6 weeks of training where they were required to exercise at an intensity that elicited the same RPE and HR elicited at V∙O2 @Vpt. The students displayed no significant improvements in V∙O2 max, V∙O2 @Vpt, percent V∙O2 max @Vpt, or HR@Vpt, whereas there was a significant improvement (8.8%) in their 1.6km run times in the post-test over the pre-test (p=.023<.05). It can be concluded that training at V∙O2 @Vpt does not significantly improve cardiovascular fitness, but may contribute to improved running economy especially at sustained submaximal workloads like in a 1.6km run.