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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-09-2020 | Original Article

Association between muscle aerobic capacity and whole-body peak oxygen uptake

Authors: Steve Guzman, Joel Ramirez, Stefan Keslacy, Ray de Leon, Katrina Yamazaki, Christine Dy

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity (MOC) is associated with reduced aerobic capacity and increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Measuring skeletal muscle MOC may be an alternative method to assess aerobic capacity, especially for individuals unable to perform a whole-body maximum oxygen uptake protocol. In this study, linear regression analysis in two leg muscles was performed to determine whether MOC values could be used to predict whole-body peak oxygen uptake.

Methods

MOC was measured with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles of 26 participants (age, 27.1 ± 5.8 years old). Whole-body peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak) was determined by indirect calorimetry during a continuous ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer.

Results

VO₂ peak values were significantly correlated with the muscle recovery rate constant (k) of the MG (kMG, r = 0.59; p < 0.01) and VL (kVL, r = 0.63; p < 0.01) muscles. Summing recovery rate constants of both muscles together (kMG + kVL) improved the strength of the correlation with VO₂ peak (r = 0.78; p < 0.0001) and could explain a majority of the variance (R² = 0.61) between the two measurements.

Conclusion

Data suggest that NIRS can provide reliable MOC measurements on two leg muscles that correlate well with whole-body peak oxygen uptake.

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Title: Association between muscle aerobic capacity and whole-body peak oxygen uptake
Authors: Steve Guzman
Joel Ramirez
Stefan Keslacy
Ray de Leon
Katrina Yamazaki
Christine Dy
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04402-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Association between muscle aerobic capacity and whole-body peak oxygen uptake

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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