Neuromuscular Performance in Strength or Endurance Trained Individuals: Construct Validity of mCPET Variables

Authors

Jeff Moore, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterFollow
Paolina Chavez Ibarra, San Diego State UniversityFollow
Daniel T. Cannon, San Diego State UniversityFollow
Harry B. Rossiter FACSM, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterFollow
Carrie Ferguson, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterFollow

Abstract

The musculo-cardiopulmonary exercise test (mCPET) assesses neuromuscular performance during a standard ramp-incremental cycle ergometer exercise test using the addition of brief (5s), maximal effort isokinetic cycling power (Piso) measurements at baseline and intolerance. mCPET quantifies 4 additional variables: maximum voluntary isokinetic power (Baseline Piso); the fraction of Baseline Piso achieved at V̇O₂peak (Aerobic Power Index, API); neuromuscular fatigability between baseline and intolerance Piso (Fatigue Index, FI); and the difference between peak ramp power and Piso at intolerance (Power Reserve, PR), reflecting the degree neuromuscular performance limits the exercise. PURPOSE: To determine construct validity of the mCPET using participants self-reporting current strength or endurance training. We hypothesize strength training will be associated with greater Baseline Piso, lower API, and greater FI, than endurance training. METHODS: Strength or endurance trained individuals (≥2 yr of training) completed ramp-incremental mCPET to intolerance with breath-by-breath gas exchange measurements. RESULTS: V̇O₂peak in strength trained (n=17; 10 men; 21 [2] yr, 78.7 [21.2] kg) was lower than in endurance trained (n=12; 6 men; 23 [4] yr; 66.3 [8.2] kg); V̇O₂peak % predicted = 103 [15] vs. 125 [10] %, p2peak was lower (API = 33 [5] vs 46 [9] % of Baseline Piso, pCONCLUSION: As hypothesized, mCPET was sensitive to training status: strength-trained individuals had greater isokinetic power (Baseline Piso), lower ability to support maximum voluntary isokinetic power through aerobic metabolism at V̇O₂peak (API), and greater fatigability (FI). The capacity to acutely increase neuromuscular performance at intolerance was similar. These data support the construct validity of mCPET to quantify neuromuscular adaptations associated with strength or endurance training that are not assessed in standard CPET.

Recommended Citation

Moore, Jeff; Chavez Ibarra, Paolina; Cannon, Daniel T.; Rossiter, Harry B. FACSM; and Ferguson, Carrie (2025) "Neuromuscular Performance in Strength or Endurance Trained Individuals: Construct Validity of mCPET Variables," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 5, Article 40.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/40