The oxygen cost of ventilation and its effect on the VO2 plateau

This book presents original research and commentary on the influence of the oxygen cost of breathing on whole-body VO2 and VO2max. The measurement and interpretation of VO2max is a fundamental concept in exercise physiology. Attainment of a plateau in VO2 despite increasing exercise intensity is the primary criterion for achieving VO2max and is assumed to reflect a maximum level of O2 consumption by the exercising muscles. Indirect calorimetry via expired gas analysis is the most common method used to measure VO2 during exercise and provides data representing whole-body oxygen consumption. Whole-body data is used to establish the existence or absence of a VO2 plateau, and the interpretation that such responses directly reflect the metabolic activity of the exercised muscle mass. Interpretation of whole-body VO2 as a representation of exercising muscle VO2 is therefore not accurate as established by the research presented in this book.