Physiological determinants of time to exhaustion during intermittent treadmill running at vV(.-)O(2max)

Previous studies have reported large between-subject variations in the time to exhaustion during intermittent running at the velocity at V(.-)O (2max) (vV(.-)O (2max)). This study aimed to determine which physiological factors contribute to this variability. Thirteen male runners (age 38.9 +/- 8.7 years) each completed five treadmill running tests; two incremental tests to determine V(.-)O (2max), vV(.-)O (2max), the lactate threshold velocity (vLT) and the running velocity--V(.-)O (2) relationship; the third test to determine the time to exhaustion during continuous running at vV(.-)O (2max) (t (lim)cont); the fourth to determine the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD); the fifth to determine the time to exhaustion during intermittent running at vV(.-)O (2max) (t (lim)int). Relief intervals during the intermittent test were run at 70 % vV(.-)O (2max). The vLT-vV(.-)O (2max) difference was significantly correlated with t (lim)int (r = - 0.70; p = 0.007). The correlation coefficient increased to r = - 0.83 (p < 0.001) when the difference between the relief interval velocity and the vLT was deducted from the vLT-vV(.-)O (2max) difference (theoretically representing the net depletion of the MAOD during each work/relief interval cycle). The main finding of this study was that 49 % of the variance in t (lim)int was explained by the vLT-vV(.-)O (2max) difference, compared to 74 % for t (lim)cont. However, a further 20 % of unique variance in t (lim)int could be explained with the inclusion of the relief interval velocity-vLT difference. Theoretically, runners with the largest relief interval velocity-vLT difference will replete their anaerobic capacity to a greater extent during each relief interval, thereby increasing time to exhaustion.     

Effect of training on anaerobic threshold, maximal aerobic power and anaerobic performance of preadolescent boys

To evaluate the effect of a 9-week interval training program on aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and indices of anaerobic threshold of preadolescent boys, 28 10.2- to 11.6-year-old boys were tested. The test included laboratory evaluation of anaerobic capacity (Wingate anaerobic test) and evaluation of VO2 max and anaerobic threshold indices from a graded exercise test and measurement of blood lactate. The tests also included a 1200-m run to investigate the relationship of laboratory fitness indices, VO2 max, anaerobic threshold indices, and indices of anaerobic capacity to the performance of the run. It was found that in 10- to 11-year-old boys, a 9-week interval training increased the indices of anaerobic capacity: mean power by 10% and peak power by 14%. No change was found in percent fatigue. The training also increased VO2 max by 7% in absolute terms and by 8%/kg body weight. A significant increase was also found in the running velocity at the anaerobic threshold (running velocity at inflection point of lactate accumulation curve), but in relative terms (percent of VO2 max), the anaerobic threshold decreased by approximately 4.4%. It is concluded that proper training may improve maximal aerobic power and anaerobic capacity of preadolescent boys. It is also concluded that anaerobic threshold measures are less sensitive to the training regimen than VO2 max and that the 1200-m running performance is strongly associated with both aerobic and anaerobic capacities and less with the anaerobic threshold, which in preadolescent boys seems to be higher than in adults.     

Assessment of maximal aerobic power and critical power in a single 90-s isokinetic all-out cycling test

The purpose of this study was to establish the validity of a 90-s all-out test for the estimation of maximal oxygen uptake (V.O (2max)) and submaximal aerobic ability as represented by critical power. We hypothesized that the fall in power output by the end of the 90-s all-out test (end power) would represent the exhaustion of anaerobic work capability, and as such, would correspond with the critical power. Sixteen active individuals (mean +/- SD: 30 +/- 6 years; 69.6 +/- 9.9 kg) carried out a series of tests: (i) an incremental ramp test to determine V.O (2max), (ii) three fixed-work rate trials to exhaustion to determine critical power, and (iii) two 90-s all-out tests to measure end power and peak V.O (2). End power (292 +/- 65 W) was related to (r=0.89) but was significantly higher (p<0.01) than critical power (264 +/- 50 W). The mean +/- 95 % limits of agreement (29 +/- 65 W) were too low to use these variables interchangeably. The peak V.O (2) in the 90-s trial was significantly lower than the V.O (2max) (3435 +/- 682 ml x min (-1) vs. 3929 +/- 784 ml x min (-1); p<0.01); mean +/- 95 % limits of agreement was equal to 495 +/- 440 mL x min (-1). The 90-s all-out test cannot, therefore, assess both V.O (2max) and critical power in adult performers. The duration of all-out exercise required to allow V.O (2) to attain its maximum is longer than 90 s.     

Anaerobic contribution during maximal anaerobic running test: correlation with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit

The aims of this study were: (i) to measure energy system contributions in maximal anaerobic running test (MART); and (ii) to verify any correlation between MART and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD). Eleven members of the armed forces were recruited for this study. Participants performed MART and MAOD, both accomplished on a treadmill. MART consisted of intermittent exercise, 20 s effort with 100 s recovery, after each spell of effort exercise. Energy system contributions by MART were also determined by excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, lactate response, and oxygen uptake measurements. MAOD was determined by five submaximal intensities and one supramaximal intensity exercises corresponding to 120% at maximal oxygen uptake intensity. Energy system contributions were 65.4±1.1% to aerobic; 29.5±1.1% to anaerobic a-lactic; and 5.1±0.5% to anaerobic lactic system throughout the whole test, while only during effort periods the anaerobic contribution corresponded to 73.5±1.0%. Maximal power found in MART corresponded to 111.25±1.33 mL/kg/min but did not significantly correlate with MAOD (4.69±0.30 L and 70.85±4.73 mL/kg). We concluded that the anaerobic a-lactic system is the main energy system in MART efforts and this test did not significantly correlate to MAOD.     

Manipulating high-intensity interval training: effects on VO2max, the lactate threshold and 3000 m running performance in moderately trained males.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two high-intensity interval training (HIT) programmes on maximal oxygen uptake (.VO(2max)), the lactate threshold (LT) and 3000 m running performance in moderately trained male runners. .VO(2max), the running speed associated with .VO(2max) (V.VO(2max)), the time for which V.VO(2max) can be maintained (T(max)), the running speed at LT (v(LT)) and 3000 m running time (3000 mTT) were determined before and following three different training programmes performed for 10 weeks. Following the pre-test, 17 moderately trained male runners (V O(2max)=51.6+/-2.7ml kg(-1)min(-1)) were divided into training groups based on their 3000 mTT (Group 1, G(1), N=6, 8 x 60% of T(max) at V.VO(2max), 1:1 work:recovery ratio; Group 2, G(2), N=6, 12 x 30s at 130% V.VO(2max), 4.5 min recovery; control group, G(CON), N=5, 60 min at 75% V.VO(2max)). G(1) and G(2) performed two HIT sessions and two 60 min recovery run sessions (75% V.VO(2max)) each week. Control subjects performed four 60 min recovery run sessions (75% V.VO(2max)) each week. In G(1), significant improvements (p<0.05) following HIT were found in .VO(2max) (+9.1%), V.VO(2max) (+6.4%), T(max) (5%), v(LT) (+11.7%) and 3000 mTT (-7.3%). In G(2), significant improvements (p<0.05) following HIT were found in .VO(2max) (+6.2%), V.VO(2max)(+7.8%), T(max) (+32%) and 3000 mTT (-3.4%), but not in v(LT) (+4.7%; p=0.07). No significant changes in these variables were found in G(CON). The present study has shown that 3000 m running performance, .VO(2max), V.VO(2max), T(max) and v(LT) can be significantly enhanced using different HIT programmes in moderately trained runners, but that changes in performance and physiological variables may be more profound using prolonged HIT at intensities of V.VO(2max) with interval durations of 60% T(max).     

Influence of testing sequence on a child's ability to achieve maximal anaerobic and aerobic power

The aim of the study was to examine the order of testing sequence on a child's ability to achieve maximal anaerobic and aerobic power. Thirty-two children (20 females, 12 males) between 7 - 11 years of age participated in this study. All subjects were tested on three separate occasions as follows: anaerobic power session - Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) only; aerobic power session - maximal oxygen consumption (V.O (2max)) test only; and experimental session - WAnT followed by a V.O (2max) test (WAnT/V.O (2max)) or a V.O (2max) test followed by a WAnT (V.O (2max)/WAnT), each with 20 minutes of rest between the assessments. No significant differences were observed between the baseline WAnT or V.O (2max) between the two groups. No significant differences were observed for WAnT power values in either group regardless of testing sequence. Children in the WAnT/V.O (2max) group had significantly lower experimental V.O (2max) (38.6 +/- 7.6 vs. 40.6 +/- 7.4 mL . kg (-1) . min (-1); p < 0.05), RER (1.10 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.13 +/- 0.07; p < 0.05), and exercise time (472 +/- 87 vs. 511 +/- 79 s; p < 0.01) values when compared to the baseline V.O (2max) test. The results of this study indicate that when assessing a child's anaerobic and aerobic power during the same testing session, the testing sequence is of importance. However, it appears that a V.O (2max) test can be performed 20 minutes prior to the WAnT without affecting anaerobic power in children.     

Time limit and time at VO2max' during a continuous and an intermittent run

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to verify, by track field tests, whether sub-elite runners (n=15) could (i) reach their VO2max while running at v50%delta, i.e. midway between the speed associated with lactate threshold (vLAT) and that associated with maximal aerobic power (vVO2max), and (ii) if an intermittent exercise provokes a maximal and/or supra maximal oxygen consumption longer than a continuous one. METHODS: Within three days, subjects underwent a multistage incremental test during which their vVO2max and vLAT were determined; they then performed two additional testing sessions, where continuous and intermittent running exercises at v50%delta were performed up to exhaustion. Subject's gas exchange and heart rate were continuously recorded by means of a telemetric apparatus. Blood samples were taken from fingertip and analysed for blood lactate concentration. RESULTS: In the continuous and the intermittent tests peak VO2 exceeded VO2max values, as determined during the incremental test. However in the intermittent exercise, peak VO2, time to exhaustion and time at VO2max reached significantly higher values, while blood lactate accumulation showed significantly lower values than in the continuous one. CONCLUSIONS: The v50%delta is sufficient to stimulate VO2max in both intermittent and continuous running. The intermittent exercise results better than the continuous one in increasing maximal aerobic power, allowing longer time at VO2max and obtaining higher peak VO2 with lower lactate accumulation.     

Unchanged anaerobic and aerobic performance after short-term intermittent hypoxia

INTRODUCTION: Repeated short-term exposures to a severe degree of hypoxia, alternated with similar intervals of normoxia, are recommended for performance enhancement in sports. However, scientific evidence for the efficiency of this method is controversial with regard to anaerobic performance. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of this new method on both anaerobic and aerobic performance. METHODS: During 15 consecutive days, 20 endurance-trained men (V O2max (mean +/- SD) 60.2 +/- 6.8 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) were exposed each day to breathing (through mouthpieces) either a gas mixture (11% O2 on days 1-7 and 10% O2 on days 8-15; hypoxia group, N = 10) or compressed air (control group, N = 10), six times for 6 min, followed by 4 min of breathing room air for a total of six consecutive cycles. Before and after the treatment, an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion and the Wingate anaerobic test were performed to assess aerobic and anaerobic performance. RESULTS: Hypoxic treatment did not improve peak power or mean power during the Wingate anaerobic test, nor did it affect maximal oxygen uptake (V O2max), maximal power output (Pmax), lactate threshold or levels of heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (V E), oxygen uptake (V O2), or blood lactate concentration at the submaximal workloads during the ergometer test. Maximal lactate concentration (Lamax) after the tests and HRmax and maximal respiratory exchange ratio (RERmax) during the ergometer test were not significantly different between groups at any time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that 1 h of intermittent hypoxic exposure for 15 consecutive days has no effect on aerobic or anaerobic performance.     

Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve VO2max more than moderate training

PURPOSE: The present study compared the effects of aerobic endurance training at different intensities and with different methods matched for total work and frequency. Responses in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), stroke volume of the heart (SV), blood volume, lactate threshold (LT), and running economy (CR) were examined. METHODS: Forty healthy, nonsmoking, moderately trained male subjects were randomly assigned to one of four groups:1) long slow distance (70% maximal heart rate; HRmax); 2)lactate threshold (85% HRmax); 3) 15/15 interval running (15 s of running at 90-95% HRmax followed by 15 s of active resting at 70% HRmax); and 4) 4 x 4 min of interval running (4 min of running at 90-95% HRmax followed by 3 min of active resting at 70%HRmax). All four training protocols resulted in similar total oxygen consumption and were performed 3 d.wk for 8 wk. RESULTS: High-intensity aerobic interval training resulted in significantly increased VO2max compared with long slow distance and lactate-threshold training intensities (P<0.01). The percentage increases for the 15/15 and 4 x 4 min groups were 5.5 and 7.2%, respectively, reflecting increases in V O2max from 60.5 to 64.4 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) and 55.5 to 60.4 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1). SV increased significantly by approximately 10% after interval training (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: High-aerobic intensity endurance interval training is significantly more effective than performing the same total work at either lactate threshold or at 70% HRmax, in improving VO2max. The changes in VO2max correspond with changes in SV, indicating a close link between the two.     

Pacing strategy and VO2 kinetics during a 1500-m race

We investigated the oxygen uptake response (V.O (2)) to a 1500-m test conducted using a competition race strategy. On an outdoor track, eleven middle-distance runners performed a test to determine V.O (2max), velocity associated with V.O (2max) (v-V.O (2max)) and a supramaximal 1500-m running test (each test at least two days apart). V.O (2max) response was measured with the use of a miniaturised telemetric gas exchange system (Cosmed, K4, Roma, Italy). The 1500-m running test was performed at a mean velocity of 107. 6 + 2 % v-V.O (2max). The maximal value of oxygen uptake recorded during the 1500-m test (V.O (2peak)) was reached by subjects at 75.9 + 7.5 s (mean + SD) (i.e., 459 +/- 59 m). The time to reach V.O (2max) (TV.O (2peak)) and the start velocity (200- to 400-m after the onset of the 1500 m) expressed in % v-V.O (2max) were negatively and significantly correlated (p < 0.05), but our results indicate that a fast start does not necessarily induce a good performance. These results suggest that V.O (2max) is reached by all the subjects at the onset of a simulated 1500-m running event and are therefore in contrast with previous results obtained during treadmill running.     

The impact of resistance training on distance running performance

Traditionally, distance running performance was thought to be determined by several characteristics, including maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2max)), lactate threshold (LT), and running economy. Improvements in these areas are primarily achieved through endurance training. Recently, however, it has been shown that anaerobic factors may also play an important role in distance running performance. As a result, some researchers have theorised that resistance training may benefit distance runners. Because resistance training is unlikely to elicit an aerobic stimulus of greater than 50% of VO(2max), it is unlikely that resistance training would improve VO(2max) in trained distance runners. However, it appears that VO(2max) is not compromised when resistance training is added to an endurance programme. Similarly, LT is likely not improved as a result of resistance training in trained endurance runners; however, improvements in LT have been observed in untrained individuals as a result of resistance training. Trained distance runners have shown improvements of up to 8% in running economy following a period of resistance training. Even a small improvement in running economy could have a large impact on distance running performance, particularly in longer events, such as marathons or ultra-marathons. The improvement in running economy has been theorised to be a result of improvements in neuromuscular characteristics, including motor unit recruitment and reduced ground contact time. Although largely theoretical at this point, if resistance training is to improve distance running performance, it will likely have the largest impact on anaerobic capacity and/or neuromuscular characteristics. The primary purpose of this review is to consider the impact of resistance training on the factors that are known to impact distance running performance. A second purpose is to consider different modes of resistance exercise to determine if an optimal protocol exists.     

Relationship between measured maximal oxygen uptake and aerobic endurance performance with running repeated sprint ability in young elite soccer players

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the relationships between maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) in a maximal treadmill run and the aerobic endurance performance in the 20-m multistage shuttle run (MST) test, with the performance indices obtained in the running repeated sprint ability (rRSA) test, in elite youth soccer players. METHODS: Thirty-seven adolescent male outfield players performed on separate days and in random order the treadmill run test and the MST, to obtain their measured VO(2max) and aerobic endurance performance (via the number of completed shuttles in the MST), respectively. Players also completed the rRSA test of 6x20-m all-out sprints, interspersed with 20 s of active recovery. RESULTS: There was a significant moderate correlation between measured VO(2max) (in L . min(-1) and mL . kg(-1) . min(-1)) and MST results (r=0.43 and 0.54, P<0.05, respectively). There was no significant correlation between measured VO(2max) and aerobic endurance performance with any of the performance indices in the rRSA test (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The moderate association between the measured VO(2max) and MST suggests that both tests were plausibly measuring different aspects of a player's aerobic fitness. The lack of association between measured VO(2max) and aerobic endurance performance in the MST with performance in the rRSA suggests that aerobic fitness per se is poorly associated with performance in the rRSA in elite youth soccer players.     

Exercise training below and above the lactate threshold in the elderly

In this study we report the effects of training at intensities below and above the lactate threshold on parameters of aerobic function in elderly subjects (age range 65-75 yr). The subjects were randomized into high-intensity (HI, N = 8; 75% of heart rate reserve = approximately 82% VO2max = approximately 121% of lactate threshold) and low-intensity (LI, N = 9; 35% of heart rate reserve = approximately 53% VO2max = approximately 72% of lactate threshold) training groups which trained 4 d.wk-1 for 30 min.session-1 for 8 wk. Before and after the training, subjects performed an incremental exercise test for determination of maximal aerobic power (VO2max) and lactate threshold (LT). In addition, the subjects performed a 6-min single-stage exercise test at greater than 75% of pre-training VO2max (SST-High) during which cardiorespiratory responses were evaluated each minute of the test. After training, the improvements in VO2max (7%) for LI and HI were not different from one another (delta VO2max for LI = 1.8 +/- 0.7 ml.kg-1.min-1; delta VO2max for HI = 1.8 +/- 1.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) but were significantly greater (P = 0.02) than the post-testing change observed in the control group (N = 8). Training improved the LT significantly (10-12%; P less than 0.01) and equally for both LI and HI (delta LT for for LI = 2.3 +/- 0.6 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; delta LT for HI = 1.8 +/- 0.8 ml O2.kg-1.min-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The oxygen uptake response running to exhaustion at peak treadmill speed

PURPOSE: Peak treadmill speed (V(max)), which is the final speed reached and sustained for a minute during a speed-incremented continuous maximal oxygen uptake ([OV0312]O(2max)) test, is an effective predictor of endurance performance. This study assesses the reliability of V(max) and [OV0312]O(2max), and examines the oxygen uptake response while running to exhaustion at V(max). METHODS: Eleven recreationally active runners completed two speed-incremented [OV0312]O(2max) tests (test 1 and test 2) to determine [OV0312]O(2max) and V(max). In addition, the subjects completed a constant speed test (test 3) at V(max) to determine time to exhaustion (T(max)). RESULTS: No significant differences existed between test 1 and test 2 for [OV0312]O(2max) (P = 0.68) and V(max) (P = 0.10). Means (+/- SD) for [OV0312]O(2max) and V(max) were 51.1 +/- 5.8 mL.kg-1.min-1 and 17.4 +/- 1.3 km.h-1, respectively; 95% limits of agreement for V(max) were -0.1 +/- 1.4 km.h-1. However, as heteroscedasticity was present in the [OV0312]O(2max) test data, 95% ratio limits of agreement were reported (1.01 *// 1.08). During test 3, 6 of the 11 subjects attained an oxygen uptake equivalent to their previously recorded [OV0312]O(2max). The time to attain [OV0312]O(2max) was 155.0 +/- 48.0 s, which represented 66.5% of T(max) (237.0 +/- 35.0 s). Although 5 of the 11 subjects did not attain an oxygen uptake response equivalent to that previously recorded, no significant difference existed between the oxygen uptakes for the three tests (P = 0.52). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that V(max) and [OV0312]O(2max) attained during a speed incremented maximal oxygen uptake test were reliable. However, while running at V(max), not all the subjects attained an oxygen uptake response equivalent to that previously recorded during incremental tests 1 and 2.     

Physiological differences in professional basketball players as a function of playing position and level of play

AIM: The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the physical and physiological characteristics of different first (ProA) and second division (ProB) professional basketball players, and to relate them to playing position and level of play. METHODS: A total of 58 players were divided into ProA and ProB groups and were assessed for physical characteristics, maximal treadmill test and a 30 s all-out test. The sample included 22 centers, 22 forwards and 14 guards. RESULTS: Centers were significantly taller and heavier (203.9+/-5.3 cm and 103.9+/-12.4 kg) than forwards (195.8+/-4.8 cm and 89.4+/-7.1 kg) and guards (185.7+/-6.9 and 82+/-8.8 kg) and also had higher body fat percentages than the other groups. Forwards were also significantly taller than guards. Centers presented a lower maximal aerobic velocity (kmxh-1) than guards (15.5+/-1.2 vs 16.8+/-1.5, P<0.05) on the maximal treadmill test and a lower maximal velocity (rpm) than forwards (156.5+/-18.4 vs 170.3+/-18.3, P<0.05) on the 30 s all-out test. VO2max (mlxmin-1xkg-1) was significantly lower for ProA (53.7+/-6.7) compared to ProB (56.5+/-7.7) players and the fatigue index on the 30 s all-out test was higher for the ProA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Many physical differences, most notably size, exist between players as a function of their playing position. But these differences have no relationship to the level of play of professional players. General aerobic capacity is fairly homogeneous between playing position and level of play, even if there are observable VO2max differences due to inter-individual profiles. On the other hand, anaerobic capacity seems to be a better predictor of playing level even though it is not clear whether such capacity comes from specific training in ProA, or from an initial selection criteria.     

Repeated sprint ability tests and intensity–time curvature constant to predict short-distance running performances

Purpose

Anaerobic efforts are commonly required through repeated sprint during efforts in many sports, making the anaerobic pathway a target of training. Nevertheless, to identify improvements on such energetic way it is necessary to assess anaerobic capacity or power, which is usually complex. For this purpose, authors have postulated the use of short running performances to anaerobic ability assessment. Thus, the aim of this study was to find a relationship between running performances on anaerobic power, anaerobic capacity or repeated sprint ability.

Methods

Thirteen military performed maximal running of 50 (P50), 100 (P100) and 300 (P300) m on track, beyond of running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST; RSA and anaerobic power test), maximal anaerobic running test (MART; RSA and anaerobic capacity test) and the W′ from critical power model (anaerobic capacity test).

Results

By RAST variables, peak and average power (absolute and relative) and maximum velocity were significantly correlated with P50 (r = ?0.68, p = 0.03 and ?0.76, p = 0.01; ?0.83, p < 0.01 and ?0.83, p < 0.01; and ?0.78, p < 0.01), respectively. The maximum intensity of MART was negatively and significantly correlated with P100 (r = ?0.59) and W′ was not statistically correlated with any of the performances.

Conclusion

MART and W′ were not correlated with short running performances, having a weak performance predicting probably due to its longer duration in relation to assessed performances. Observing RAST outcomes, we postulated that such a protocol can be used during daily training as short running performance predictor.     

Standard anaerobic exercise tests

Anaerobic tests are divided into tests measuring anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity. Anaerobic power tests include force-velocity tests, vertical jump tests, staircase tests, and cycle ergometer tests. The values of maximal anaerobic power obtained with these different protocols are different but generally well correlated. Differences between tests include factors such as whether average power or instantaneous power is measured, active muscle mass is the same in all the protocols, the legs act simultaneously or successively, maximal power is measured at the very beginning of exercise or after several seconds, inertia of the devices and body segments are taken into account. Force-velocity tests have the advantage of enabling the estimation of the force and velocity components of power, which is not possible with tests such as a staircase test, a vertical jump, the Wingate test and other long-duration cycle ergometer protocols. Maximal anaerobic capacity tests are subdivided into maximal oxygen debt test, ergometric tests (all-out tests and constant load tests), measurement of oxygen deficit during a constant load test and measurement of peak blood lactate. The measurement of the maximal oxygen debt is not valid and reliable enough to be used as an anaerobic capacity test. The aerobic metabolism involvement during anaerobic capacity tests, and the ignorance of the mechanical efficiency, limit the validity of the ergometric tests which are only based on the measurement of work. The amount of work performed during the Wingate test depends probably on glycolytic and aerobic power as well as anaerobic capacity. The fatigue index (power decrease) of the all-out tests is not reliable and depends probably on aerobic power as well as the fast-twich fibre percentage. Reliability of the constant load tests has seldom been studied and has been found to be rather low. In theory, the measure of the oxygen deficit during a constant load test is more valid than the other tests but its reliability is unknown. The validity and reliability of postexercise blood lactate as a test of maximal anaerobic capacity are probably not better than that of the current erogmetric tests. The choice of an anaerobic test depends on the aims and subjects of a study and its practicability within a testing session.