An examination of neuromuscular and metabolic fatigue thresholds

Haley C. Bergstrom, Terry J. Housh, Kristen C. Cochrane, Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins, Robert W. Lewis, Daniel A. Traylor, Jorge M. Zuniga, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson, Joel T. Cramer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the relationships among the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT), the power outputs associated with the gas exchange threshold (PGET) and the respiratory compensation point (PRCP), and critical power (CP) to identify possible physiological mechanisms underlying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. Ten participants (mean ± SD age: 20 ± 1 years) performed a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test to determine the PWCFT, PGET, and PRCP. CP was determined from the 3 min all-out test. The PWCFT (197 ± 55 W), PRCP (212 ± 50 W), and CP (208 ± 63 W) were significantly greater than the PGET (168 ± 40 W), but there were no significant differences among the PWCFT, PRCP, and CP. All thresholds were significantly inter-4 (r = 0.794-0.958). The 17% greater estimates for the PWCFT than PGET were likely related to differences in the physiological mechanisms that underlie these fatigue thresholds, while the non-significant difference and high correlation between the PWCFT and the PRCP suggested that hyperkalemia may underlie both thresholds. Furthermore, it is possible that the 5% lower estimate of the PWCFT than CP could more accurately reflect the demarcation of the heavy from severe exercise intensity domains.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1253-1267
Number of pages15
JournalPhysiological Measurement
Volume34
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Keywords

  • critical power
  • cycle ergometry
  • gas exchange threshold
  • physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold
  • respiratory compensation point

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Physiology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Physiology (medical)

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