An Investigation of Expired Gas Influence on the Shape of The Heart Rate Response at Maximal Effort in Cyclists

Authors

Alissa Donaldson, Midwestern State UniversityFollow
Frank Wyatt, Midwestern State University
Lon Kilgore, University of the West of Scotland

Abstract

PURPOSE: To use mathematical examination to determine if expired gases, (i.e. VO₂ and VCO₂), influence neural response and affect the shape of the three phases of a heart rate (HR) response during a maximal, incremental cycling test. METHODS: Archived data from ten (10) well-trained cyclists (mean VO₂ max 68.7 ml/kg/min) who performed VO₂ maximal tests using the Australian Institute for Sport (AIS) protocol was used to calculate group mean HR, VO₂ and VCO₂ values for each phase of a test to volitional fatigue. A trend line of best fit was assigned to each phase of HR, VO₂ and VCO₂ response. The trend line equations compared graphed patterns of response and rates of change (i.e. slopes) within each phase of each physiological response at fixed time points. Comparison of rates of change between variables and phases was accomplished with first derivative analysis of the slope of each trend line. Group mean slope values of HR taken at two-second intervals were tested for association to matched group mean slope values of the expired gases, VO₂ and VCO₂. The set of slope values for each phase of HR, VO₂ and VCO₂ responses was tested for associations using a T-test of independent variables. A Pearson Product R test for correlation investigated the strength of any associations. Statistical significance was set a priori at p≤0.05. RESULTS: A similar pattern response for the three variables occurred in Phase I and II of HR response. Graphed HR, VO₂ and VCO₂ responses were best fit by logarithmic trend lines in Phase I and polynomial trend lines in Phase II. Pattern responses of HR and VO₂ in Phase III were best fit by polynomial trend lines. Phase III VCO₂ response was best fit by an exponential trend line. Mathematical comparison of HR, VO₂ and VCO₂ slope values at identical time points indicated that neither VO₂ nor VCO₂ responses changed at a similar rate to HR response in Phase I, II and III. DISCUSSION: Endurance training has been shown to alter HR and expired gas response differently in humans. While the slope of HR during an incremental test is generally less steep in trained subjects, steeper VO₂ and VCO₂ slope responses are often a characteristic of the trained. These physiological characteristics of trained subjects could explain why the pattern of HR, VO₂ and VCO₂ was mostly similar, while the rate of increase of HR to expired gases was different.

Recommended Citation

Donaldson, Alissa; Wyatt, Frank; and Kilgore, Lon (2012) "An Investigation of Expired Gas Influence on the Shape of The Heart Rate Response at Maximal Effort in Cyclists," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 27.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss4/27