Key words
cardiorespiratory endurance - exercise training - ventilatory threshold - HRR - verification
protocol
Introduction
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a well-established predictor of cardiovascular
disease and mortality [5]
[13]
[40]. It has generally been accepted that CRF can be improved following a regular aerobic
exercise training program [15]. Furthermore, with the emerging concept of ‘exercise is medicine’ and using individualized
exercise as medicine [7], the time course changes in CRF and, specifically, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) need to be better understood to properly determine exercise doses (i. e., intensity,
volume). An understanding of the time course changes in CRF is imperative to properly
prescribe and adjust training regimens to enhance adaptations [7].
Much of the literature on time course changes investigates a standardized methodology
of exercise prescription using heart rate reserve (HRR) [37], percent peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) [33], and percent VO2max [28]. Recently, there has been evidence that a more individualized exercise prescription
using metabolic threshold (i. e., ventilatory thresholds) enhances training adaptations
and overall responsiveness to VO2max [11]
[45]. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences in time course outcomes
following a standardized compared to an individualized exercise prescription. To the
best of our knowledge, this has yet to be reported in the literature.
Our knowledge on interindividual differences and time course changes has been confounded
based on methodological weaknesses of accepted primary and secondary criteria used
to determine VO2max [6]
[31]
[32]
[38]. There is often a discrepancy in how maximal values are reported and it has become
common that the highest achieved VO2 (VO2peak) during a maximal test is used to prescribe intensity and evaluate effectiveness
of a training intervention, but a peak value may not directly represent a true maximal
value of aerobic capacity. For example, Ross and colleagues [33] reported VO2peak at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks to identify the effects of intensity on interindividual
responses to CRF. However, since only peak values were reported, we cannot conclusively
determine that CRF was maintained, declined, or improved because a true maximal value
is not reported. The use of a supramaximal test following a graded exercise test (GXT)
was first reported by Niemala and colleagues [30] and has since evolved into what is commonly considered a ‘verification protocol’
to confirm a ‘true VO2max’ [12]
[19]
[26]
[27]
[34]. Indeed, the efficacy of a verification protocol has been confirmed in sedentary
men and women [2], middle-aged and older adults [10], sedentary adults with obesity [35], and altitude-residing endurance runners [43]. However, to our knowledge, a verification protocol to confirm VO2max has not been used to examine time course changes due to steady-state CRF training
with exercise intensity determined by ventilatory threshold measurements.
The main purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effects of standardized
and individualized exercise prescription on VO2max confirmed by a verification bout at 4-week increments over a 12-week CRF training
intervention. It was hypothesized that an individualized method of exercise intensity
prescription would provide a more rapid and potent increase in VO2max compared to a standardized technique.
Materials and Methods
The current investigation involved repeated measurements (every fourth week) to understand
the differences in time course changes of VO2max with individualized and standardized exercise prescription. A detailed description
of the study and participant flow diagram has been previously published [44]. This study was carried out in accordance with and approved by the Auckland University
of Technology Ethics Committee (16 / 264) and the Western State Colorado University
Institutional Review Board (HRC2016–01–90R6) and meets the ethical standards of this
journal [17]. All participants provided written informed consent in accordance with the Declaration
of Helsinki.
Participants
Sedentary men and women were recruited from a local community-based wellness program
and the general community via advertisement at the university, local newspaper, and
word of mouth. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were between the ages
of 30 and 75, considered low to moderate risk based on the American College of Sports
Medicine Standards [1], and participated in less than 30 min of moderate intensity physical activity on
3 days a week or less for the last 3 months. Participants were excluded from the investigation
if they reported signs or symptoms suggestive of pulmonary, cardiovascular, or metabolic
conditions determined from a standard medical history questionnaire.
Experimental testing
Outcome variables, other than a dietary recall and physical activity questionnaire,
were obtained at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 following the completion of
the exercise intervention. To the best of our ability, we maintained consistency with
day of the week and time of day between repeated testing sessions for each participant,
with repeated testing occurring within a day and±3 h of the original day of the week
and time of day. All participants were instructed to refrain from any strenuous exertion
for the 12 h prior to testing.
Resting and anthropometric measurements
Resting heart rate (RHR) was analyzed following standardized procedures [1]. In summary, when participants arrived at the laboratory, they sat for 5 min with
sufficient back support, feet on the ground, and arms supported near heart level.
Following the 5 min of seated rest, a medical-grade pulse oximeter (Nonin Medical
Inc., Plymouth, MN, USA) was used to establish resting heart rate.
Participants were weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg and height measured to the nearest
0.5 cm on a calibrated, medical-grade scale and a stadiometer (Tanita Corporation
WB-3000, Tokyo, Japan), respectively.
Dietary analysis
Throughout the 12-week intervention, participants were asked to maintain their regular
nutritional habits. At baseline and post-intervention, a 3-day dietary intake recall
including two weekdays and one weekend day with the inclusion of types of food / drink,
portion sizes, and any specific nutritional information they could provide was solicited.
The dietary recall was used to investigate energy intake and the proportion of kilocalories
from carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Maximal exercise testing with verification protocol
Participants completed a GXT using a modified-Balke, pseudo-ramp protocol on a motorized
treadmill (Powerjog GX200, Maine, USA). Following a 4-min warm-up with an increasing
workload, participants walked or jogged at a self-selected pace with a starting incline
of 0% and had a subsequent increase in incline of 1% every min until volitional fatigue
was reached. Throughout the GXT, participant HR using a chest strap and radio-telemetric
receiver (Polar Electro, Woodbury, NY, USA) and expired air and gas exchange data
using a metabolic analyzer (Parvo Medics TrueOne 2.0, Salt Lake City, UT, USA) were
continuously monitored and recorded. Prior to each exercise test, the metabolic analyzer
was calibrated per manufacturer guidelines in the instructional manual with a calibration
gas mixture (16.00% O2 and 4.00% CO2) and room air (20.93% O2 and 0.003% CO2). Gas exchange data were averaged for every 15 sec, and VO2max was determined by averaging the final two 15-sec VO2 average data during the GXT. The highest achieved HR during the GXT was considered
the maximal HR (HRmax).
In order to confirm ‘true VO2max,’ a verification protocol was performed 20 min following the completion of the
GXT. The verification protocol included a 4-min warm-up followed by a volitional test
to exhaustion at a constant workload that was set at 5% higher than the last completed
stage of the GXT. The workload was determined by taking the final metabolic equivalent
(MET) value for the GXT and increasing the speed, incline, or combination of the two
to achieve a 5% higher MET value for the verification bout. Gas exchange data and
HR were continuously monitored and averaged every 15 sec. VO2max during the verification protocol was established in the same manner as the GXT,
with the average of the final two 15-sec data points for VO2. A ‘true VO2max’ was confirmed if the GXT and verification protocol were within±3.0%, based on
previously published methods [10]
[43]. If there was a greater than±3.0% between the GXT and verification bout, participants
repeated the maximal exercise testing with verification protocol within 24–72 h until
‘true VO2max’ was confirmed with the±3.0% criterion.
Determination of ventilatory thresholds
The first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) were
determined based on previously published methods [16]
[39]. In summary, ventilatory thresholds were determined based on visual inspection of
time plotted against the ventilatory equivalents of oxygen (VE / VO2) and the ventilatory equivalents of carbon dioxide (VE / VCO2). VT1 was determined to occur when VE / VO2 increased without a concurrent increase in VE / VCO2 and VT2 occurred at the point in which both VE / VO2 and VEVCO2 increased simultaneously. All assessments of VT1 and VT2 were completed by two experienced
exercise physiologists. If there were conflicting results, the original assessments
were reevaluated, and a consensus was agreed upon.
Exercise prescription
Following recruitment and prior to baseline testing, participants were randomized
into one of two exercise training groups according to a computer-generated sequence
of random numbers that was stratified by sex. Participants exercised on 3 days a week
throughout the 12-week study with an incremental increase in HR and duration. Exercise
prescription was based on individualized or standardized methods using ventilatory
threshold measurements or heart rate reserve (HRR), respectively. Because exercise
testing occurred every 4 weeks, values were updated based on the most current exercise
testing session. The week-to-week exercise prescription for both groups has been previously
published in detail [44]. In summary, the standardized group started with an exercise intensity between 40–45%
of HRR and progressed to 60–65% of HRR. The individualized group used the following
criteria to establish training intensity:
-
Target HR<VT1=HR range of 10 bpm below VT1 to the HR at VT1
-
Target HR≥VT1 to<VT2=HR range of 15 bpm directly between VT1 and VT2
-
Target HR≥VT2=HR range of 10 bpm above VT2
Exercise volume was prescribed based on energy expenditure per kg of body weight a
week (kcal·kg−1·wk−1) rather than a standard time per exercise session to establish an isocaloric exercise
volume across individuals and groups. The total weekly energy expenditure was then
divided by 3 to get the daily exercise energy expenditures. The developed energy expenditures
were then correlated to the exercise testing gas exchange values to determine a specific
duration (i. e., time in min) for each exercise session. A detailed description of
the development of energy expenditure criteria has been previously published [44].
Exercise training
Upon arrival to the lab, participates rested for 5 min in a seated position, and resting
HR was recorded subsequently. After completion of resting measurements, participants
warmed up at a self-selected pace with increases in workload for 5 min until the prescribed
exercise intensity was reached. Participants then exercised for their prescribed duration
based on the calculated energy expenditure, and HR was continuously monitored using
a chest strap and radio-telemetric receiver (Polar Electro, Woodbury, NY, USA). At
approximately 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 the total time, a research assistant ensured the participant
was within the correct HR range. Following the designated time, participants completed
a 5 min cool-down with decreasing workloads until HR was within 15 bpm of resting
values.
Statistical analysis
All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 22.0 (Chicago, IL, USA).
Data were reported as mean±standard deviation (SD). Based on a power calculation previously
published [44] and an assumption of a 20% dropout rate, 20 participants were desired for each group.
Baseline group differences were determined based on an independent-samples t-test with p≤0.05. All measures were analyzed by a general linear model two-way ANOVA for repeated
measures (baseline, wk 4, wk 8, and wk 12) with intensity as the between-subject variable.
When appropriate, a subsequent post hoc comparison using a Bonferroni correction was
completed. A one-way ANOVA was used to understand the changes in time point and VO2max. The assumption of normality was tested by examining normal plots of the residuals
in ANOVA models and regarded as normally distributed if Shapiro-Wilk tests were not
significant [9]. Effect sizes were calculated using means and pooled SD. The probability of making
a type I error was set at p≤0.05 for all statistical analyses. In order to be included in the data analysis,
participants needed an adherence level ≥70% with strict adherence to the targeted
day-to-day exercise intensity and duration.
Results
Participants
A total of 49 participants were recruited and 39 participants completed all testing
sessions with an adherence rate of 82.9±5.7% and 86.1±4.7% for the standardized and
individualized groups, respectively. The 10 participants not included in the final
data were excluded due to unrelated medical issues (1 and 2 participants in the standardized
and individualized group, respectively), self-withdrawal from the study (3 participants
in the standardized group), or did not achieve ≥70% adherence (1 and 3 participants
in the standardized and individualized group, respectively). Baseline and every fourth
week physical and physiological characteristics are shown in [Table 1]. There was no statistical significance between pre- and post-intervention dietary
intake as show in [Table 2].
Table 1 Physical and physiological characteristics at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 12 weeks
for standardized and individualized groups.
|
Parameter
|
Standardized
(n=20; women=16, men=4)
|
Individualized
(n=19; women=14, men=5)
|
|
Baseline
|
Week 4
|
Week 8
|
Week 12
|
Baseline
|
Week 4
|
Week 8
|
Week 12
|
|
Age (yr)
|
51.2±12.5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
44.9±11.4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Height (cm)
|
168.3±9.5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
172.1±7.1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Weight (kg)
|
83.9±20.7
|
84.0±20.3
|
83.9±20.4
|
83.8±20.3
|
80.6±16.2
|
80.7±15.8
|
80.2±15.2
|
79.9±15.2
|
|
BMI
|
29.5±5.5
|
29.5±5.3
|
29.5±5.4
|
29.4±5.3
|
27.1±4.2
|
26.9±4.0
|
26.9±3.8
|
26.8±3.8
|
|
Resting HR (b·min−1)
|
70.0±8.8
|
69.9±11.2
|
68.1±8.4
|
68.2±8.0
|
68.8±9.7
|
72.4±8.7
|
69.3±9.4
|
68.1±11.4
|
|
Maximal HR (b·min−1)
|
165.2±16.1
|
164.5±16.2
|
166.3±16.3
|
164.9±15.1
|
170.1±18.4
|
171.7±16.5
|
170.7±14.7
|
169.2±14.4
|
|
VO2max (L·min−1)
|
2.0±0.6
|
2.1±0.6
|
2.2±0.6†‡
|
2.2±0.6‡
|
2.4±0.8
|
2.5±0.8
|
2.5±0.8‡
|
2.6±0.8†‡
|
|
% Diff in VO2max (GXT and Verification)
|
–0.2±1.8
|
0.0±1.9
|
0.6±1.7
|
–0.4±1.8
|
0.2±1.7
|
0.6±2.1
|
0.7±1.8
|
–0.7±1.7
|
|
% Δ in Absolute VO2max
|
-
|
2.0±6.7
|
6.9±8.4
|
7.5±7.7
|
-
|
3.9±8.0
|
6.1±6.5
|
10.6±5.3
|
Values are mean±SD. BMI, basal metabolic rate; GXT, graded exercise test; HR, heart
rate; Δ, change; VO2max, maximal oxygen uptake;
†Significantly different from previous time point; ‡significantly different from baseline
Table 2 Alterations in dietary intake in response to 12 weeks of standardized or individualized
CRF training in sedentary adults.
|
Parameter
|
Baseline
|
Week 12
|
|
Standardized
|
|
|
|
Calorie intake (kcal)
|
1520.3±563.2
|
1518±500.8
|
|
Carbohydrate (g)
|
160.4±60.5
|
158.8±63.9
|
|
Lipid (g)
|
61.1±31.2
|
62.8±26.4
|
|
Protein (g)
|
64.1±16.4
|
63.8±22.0
|
|
Carbohydrate (%)
|
41.7±6.9
|
40.9±7.8
|
|
Lipid (%)
|
35.9±9.2
|
37.1±8.4
|
|
Protein (%)
|
18.2±6.3
|
17.8±5.1
|
|
Individualized
|
|
|
|
Calorie intake (kcal)
|
1539.2±493.0
|
1555.8±403.8
|
|
Carbohydrate (g)
|
168.2±68.6
|
164.5±57.2
|
|
Lipid (g)
|
68.6±23.4
|
67.5±13.6
|
|
Protein (g)
|
73.6±36.6
|
64.8±25.2
|
|
Carbohydrate (%)
|
43.1±8.2
|
41.9±6.7
|
|
Lipid (%)
|
40.7±7.9
|
40.6±8.1
|
|
Protein (%)
|
19.6±10.6
|
16.5±3.8
|
Values are mean±SD
Intervention fidelity for both groups in terms of intensity and exercise duration
was very high, as shown in [Table 3]. In only a single instance (standardized week 3), the actual mean min completed
were 3 min less than the target range for that week.
Table 3 Exercise prescription and progression for standardized and individualized exercise
prescription based on percentage of heart rate reserve and ventilatory thresholds,
respectively.
|
Standardized
|
Individualized
|
|
Week
|
Target HR
|
Actual HR
|
Target Min
|
Actual Min
|
Target HR
|
Actual HR
|
Target Min
|
Actual Min
|
|
1
|
108±10 to 113±11
|
113±12
|
27±6 to 32±9
|
32±9
|
105±14 to 115±14
|
114±14
|
26±6 to 31±9
|
31±8
|
|
2
|
108±10 to 113±11
|
113±11
|
41±10 to 48±13
|
46±11
|
105±14 to 115±14
|
114±14
|
39±10 to 47±14
|
44±9
|
|
3
|
108±10 to 113±11
|
114±12
|
54±13 to 64±17
|
51±10
|
105±14 to 115±14
|
114±13
|
52±13 to 63±18
|
54±9
|
|
4
|
118±11 to 123±11
|
120±12
|
45±8 to 49±8
|
47±8
|
122±15 to 136±15
|
131±15
|
38±8 to 48±13
|
42±9
|
|
5
|
124±11 to 128±11
|
126±12
|
42±8 to 47±8
|
45±7
|
122±15 to 136±15
|
134±17
|
38±8 to 48±13
|
43±9
|
|
6
|
124±11 to 128±11
|
127±12
|
42±8 to 47±8
|
45±7
|
122±15 to 136±15
|
135±16
|
38±8 to 48±13
|
44±9
|
|
7
|
124±11 to 128±11
|
127±11
|
48±9 to 53±9
|
49±7
|
122±15 to 136±15
|
133±17
|
41±8 to 52±11
|
49±9
|
|
8
|
124±11 to 128±11
|
127±12
|
52±10 to 58±10
|
53±8
|
125±14 to 139±15
|
134±16
|
45±8 to 57±11
|
50±9
|
|
9
|
129±11 to 134±12
|
131±12
|
48±8 to 53±9
|
51±8
|
144±15 to 154±15
|
149±17
|
37±9 to 42±10
|
40±10
|
|
10
|
129±11 to 134±12
|
132±12
|
48±8 to 53±9
|
50±7
|
144±15 to 154±15
|
148±17
|
37±9 to 42±10
|
40±10
|
|
11
|
129±11 to 134±12
|
133±11
|
53±9 to 59±9
|
53±6
|
144±15 to 154±15
|
148±17
|
41±10 to 47±11
|
44±10
|
|
12
|
129±11 to 134±12
|
133±13
|
53±9 to 59±9
|
53±6
|
144±15 to 154±15
|
147±17
|
41±10 to 47±11
|
45±10
|
Values are mean±SD. HR, heart rate; VT1, first ventilatory threshold; VT2, second
ventilatory threshold.
Mean±SD HR values represent the average of all three training days within each week
with averages calculated based on the recorded measurements obtained at 1 / 3 and
2 / 3 time points during each exercise session.
Time course changes
There was an overall change in VO2max from baseline to week 12 of 1.7±1.9 ml·kg−1·min−1 and 3.4±1.5 ml·kg−1·min−1 for the standardized and individualized groups, respectively. A two-way repeated
measures ANOVA revealed a main effect for group (F=7.866; p<0.05; partial eta squared=0.175).
There was a significant interaction between group and time point (F=3.555; p<0.05;
partial eta squared=0.88). The one-way ANOVA showed a main effect for time point on
VO2max for the standardized group (F=8.758; p<0.05; partial eta squared=0.316) and individualized
group (F=29.559; p<0.05; partial eta squared=0.622). Post hoc analysis revealed that
VO2max was significantly increased during week 8 and 12 compared to baseline for both
groups and differed significantly from week 8 to week 12 for the individualized group
([Fig. 1]).
Fig. 1 Group relative VO2max at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 for standardized and individualized exercise
prescription. †Significantly different from previous time point; ‡significantly different from baseline.
GXT and verification testing
Only 4 participants (2 participants at baseline and 2 participants at week 4) had
greater than a±3.0% difference between the GXT and verification bout, but 3 of these
tests were rescheduled, and subsequently the verification protocol was confirmed.
On one occasion during week-4 testing, one participant had a 4.0% difference between
GXT and verification, and a subsequent testing session to confirm VO2max was not completed. However, VO2max was confirmed for all of the other testing sessions. The individual differences
and group means for VO2max in the GXT and verification bout can be seen in [Fig. 2], and the speed, incline, and duration for the GXT and verification protocol are
highlighted in [Table 4].
Fig. 2 Comparison of mean GXT trial VO2max and verification trial VO2max and individual (39 participants) VO2max data represented by the line graphs at baseline a, week 4 b, week 8 c, and week 12 d.
Table 4 Graded maximal exercise test and verification protocol speed, grade, and duration
for baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 testing.
|
|
Standardized
|
Individualized
|
Group
|
|
Time Point
|
Parameter
|
GXT
|
Verification
|
GXT
|
Verification
|
GXT
|
Verification
|
|
Baseline
|
Speed (km·
−1
)
|
5.2±0.9
|
5.2±0.9
|
6.1±1.4
|
6.1±1.4
|
5.6±1.3
|
5.7±1.3
|
|
Grade (%)
|
10.7±2.7
|
11.4±2.7
|
10.5±2.7
|
11.2±2.6
|
10.6±2.7
|
11.3±2.6
|
|
Duration (sec)
|
684.8±127.3
|
148.5±28.3
|
672.6±147.8
|
147.6±38.8
|
678.8±136.0
|
148.1±33.4
|
|
Week 4
|
Speed (km·
−1
)
|
5.4±0.8
|
5.5±0.7
|
6.1±1.3
|
6.2±1.3
|
5.7±1.1
|
5.8±1.1
|
|
Grade (%)
|
10.0±2.0
|
10.7±1.8
|
12.0±3.3
|
12.7±3.2
|
11.0±2.9
|
11.7±2.7
|
|
Duration (sec)
|
654.0±111.7
|
154.5±33.0
|
665.5±137.5
|
145.3±27.9
|
659.6±123.4
|
150.0±30.6
|
|
Week 8
|
Speed (km·
−1
)
|
5.5±0.7
|
5.5±0.7
|
6.1±1.5
|
6.2±1.5
|
5.8±1.2
|
5.8±1.2
|
|
Grade (%)
|
10.0±1.4
|
10.9±1.3
|
12.1±3.2
|
12.8±3.0
|
11.0±2.6
|
11.8±2.4
|
|
Duration (sec)
|
638.3±62.4
|
141.8±32.1
|
675.0±114.0
|
148.4±29.1
|
656.2±91.9
|
145.0±30.5
|
|
Week 12
|
Speed (km·
−1
)
|
5.6±0.8
|
5.6±0.8
|
6.6±1.8
|
6.7±1.8
|
6.1±1.4
|
6.1±1.5
|
|
Grade (%)
|
10.3±1.4
|
11.2±1.4
|
10.5±3.0
|
11.3±2.8
|
10.4±2.3
|
11.2±2.1
|
|
Duration (sec)
|
681.8±81.2
|
143.3±35.6
|
652.9±142.6
|
168.2±31.1
|
667.7±114.6
|
155.4±35.3
|
Values are mean±SD. GXT, graded exercise test.
Discussion
This study sought to compare the VO2max time course changes at 4-week increments between a standardized and individualized
12-week CRF training program with exercise intensity established based on %HRR or
ventilatory thresholds. The main finding from the present study was that our preliminary
data, although not statistically significant, demonstrates that an individualized
approach to method of exercise intensity prescription elicits more rapid and potent
improvement in VO2max relative to a standardized paradigm. Indeed, at week 4, there was nearly a two-fold
greater improvement for the individualized group compared to the standardized group.
Furthermore, even though both training approaches elicited a statistically significant
improvement in VO2max at week 12 compared to baseline, there was a 41% higher improvement in the individualized
group compared to the standardized group based on mean percent changes. Moreover,
these changes in CRF are due to ‘true’ adaptation based on the use of a verification
bout to confirm that VO2max was achieved and results were not reported as simply peak values. Overall, these
novel findings add to the growing body of evidence [7]
[11]
[45] that an individualized exercise prescription for steady-state aerobic exercise enhances
training adaptations.
Our findings that VO2max increased 1.7±1.9 ml·kg−1·min−1 and 3.4±1.5 ml·kg−1·min−1 for the standardized and individualized groups, respectively, following the 12-week
intervention were consistent with previous findings using similar exercise prescription
protocols for 12 weeks [45] and 13 weeks [11]. However, results from this study are the first to demonstrate the difference in
time course changes between a standardized and individualized exercise prescription.
Based on our findings, it was shown that after 8 weeks there is a statistically significant
improvement in VO2max compared to baseline. These results are consistent with previous findings [14]
[33]. Following the first 9 weeks of training at either a high (80–85% VO2max) or low intensity (45% VO2max) during an 18-week training intervention, 74 and 90% of the overall changes were
demonstrated in the high and low intensity, respectively [14]. When comparing these results with those seen in the current 12-week intervention,
90% of the overall change in VO2max was seen by week 8 for the standardized group. However, for the individualized
group, only 55% of the overall change in VO2max at week 8 was seen. This is lower than previously reported for the same time point
(i. e. week 8) and indicating there was a greater magnitude of change from week 8
to 12 in the current investigation compared to week 8 to 18 previously [14]. This is also noteworthy because the change in VO2max between week 8 and 12 for the individualized group was the only time in which
there was a statistically significant change compared to the preceding time points.
To our knowledge, the current study was the first to use a verification protocol to
confirm VO2max when investigating time course changes when comparing exercise intensity prescription
using HRR or ventilatory thresholds. Ensuring that a maximal aerobic value is achieved
when investigating any changes due to modifying or differing exercise doses is imperative
to understand true changes occurring from the intervention and not owing to how aerobic
capacity is measured. Historically, a plateau in VO2max (i. e.,≤150 ml·min−1) at the ending stages of a GXT has been the primary criterion to determine ‘true
VO2max’ [41]. However, there has been inconsistency regarding the value for a plateau with the
use of≤150 ml·min−1 to≤50 ml·min−1
[38], and there has been an incidence in plateau ranging from 0% [34] to 100% [3]. Therefore, the use of secondary criteria was proposed [20], but has since been highly criticized [6]
[31]. Based on these considerations, VO2peak rather than VO2max has been recorded as a common aerobic outcome measure, especially when reporting
functional capacity and fitness changes, and is used to prescribe exercise interventions
[8]
[18]
[21]
[33]. Unfortunately, VO2peak does not directly indicate that aerobic adaptations have occurred due to the
lack of sensitivity of this measurement [31]. Recently, although there is still debate on the overall topic [29], the use of a verification protocol to confirm VO2max has been identified as a practical and sensitive measure to ensure that a ‘true’
maximal aerobic value has been achieved [38]. Furthermore, participants tend to exhibit greater maximal effort following a training
intervention due to expecting improvements [25]. Indeed, it could be noted that a change in VO2peak could be due to a greater increase in effort if there is minimal consideration
to the testing methodology. With the use of a verification protocol, this overestimation
of training adaptations is mitigated by ensuring all measurements are a ‘true VO2max’ and representative of training adaptations [10]
[31].
The relative percent method (i. e., using percentages of HRmax, HRR, VO2max, and VO2 reserve [VO2R]) has been a common practice for prescribing exercise intensity. However, these
values may not be sensitive enough to provide a workload that elicits the desired
metabolic response [22]
[42]. For example, a workload of 75% VO2max ranged between 86–118% of the individual lactate threshold [24]. Similarly, 22 and 78% of participants exceeded the individual lactate threshold
at 60 and 75% of VO2max, respectively. Some participants were above and others below the lactate threshold
at a workload associated with 70±1% of VO2R [36]. Furthermore, Azevedo et al. [4] found the ventilatory threshold occurred at 78±7% HRmax and 70±10% HRR. Based on these findings, it can be implied that workloads established
with the use of the relative percent method increases variability in the metabolic
response to exercise. Based on our current findings, we found that when steady-state
aerobic exercise is prescribed on an individual basis using VT1 and VT2 as points
to base exercise intensity and progression, there was a superior interaction between
VO2max and time point compared to the standardized group. We believe this is due to taking
into consideration individual metabolic characteristics with the exercise prescription
and the relative percent intensity providing variation in metabolic demands due to
the exercise intensity prescription [23].
From a practical standpoint, it could be suggested that either the use of an isocaloric
dose of steady-state aerobic exercise using HRR or threshold measures can increase
VO2max following 12 weeks of CRF training. However, it should be noted that the individualized
training group using ventilatory thresholds provided more rapid and greater change
in VO2max. Such training might therefore underpin its potential relatively greater efficacy
for prescription purposes by taking into account individual metabolic characteristics
that are not considered when using relative percent methods. Therefore, it is recommended
that steady-state aerobic exercise prescription for sedentary individuals should be
completed based on threshold measurements to take into consideration individual metabolic
characteristics and enhance training adaptations. Furthermore, based on our data,
if aerobic training adaptations are not observed after 8 weeks of steady-state aerobic
training, modifying the exercise prescription intensity or method of intensity prescription
(i. e., changing from a relative percent method to an individualized method) should
be considered to achieve the desired results.
Limitations
A potential risk for selection bias exists in the present study because the principal
investigator was aware to which treatment group participants were allocated and also
performed all GXT and verification protocol testing. However, the application of the
verification protocol likely minimized any potential selection bias due to its robustness
for verifying ‘true VO2max.’ Even though the participants included in the study represent a standard exercise
clinic demographic, there was a large age range and therefore the study group not
homogenous. There may be heterogeneity in results due to age alone. Furthermore, men
were underrepresented, accounting for only 23% of the participants. At baseline, there
was a significant difference in VO2max values with the individualized group having higher values. However, although not
statistically significant, based on the results of the study the individualized group
improved greater than the standardized group when, in theory, they had a lower capacity
to improve. Lastly, the issue of training responsiveness is a nuanced area of study
with multiple outcomes to assess, but the current investigation identified only CRF
(i. e., VO2max) changes. Future studies should take into consideration these limitations to further
address the time course changes in these exercise intensity prescription methods.
Similarly, further research is warranted to investigate a more comprehensive approach
to understanding time course changes with the development of a composite score to
explore all training responsiveness factors (i. e., aerobic and cardiometabolic measurements).
Conclusion
In conclusion, an individualized exercise prescription based on metabolic characteristics
elicits a more rapid and effective improvement in CRF. On a practical level and based
on our data, exercise specialists may consider a reevaluation of the CRF training
program for previously sedentary individuals if improvements in VO2max are not observed after 8 weeks of training. Lastly, for the first time, we have
demonstrated that the verification procedure can be successfully employed to confirm
‘true’ changes in VO2max following exercise training comparing exercise intensity prescription differences
using HRR and ventilatory threshold methods.
