Time Course Changes in Confirmed ‘True’ VO2max After Individualized and Standardized Training

This study sought to examine time course changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) confirmed with verification testing following 12 weeks of standardized vs. individualized exercise training. Participants (N=39) were randomly allocated to differing exercise intensity prescription groups: ventilatory threshold (individualized) or % heart rate reserve (standardized). At baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, participants completed maximal exercise testing with a verification protocol to confirm ‘true VO 2 max.’ VO 2 max in the standardized group changed from 24.3±4.6 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 at baseline to 24.7±4.6, 25.9±4.7, and 26.0±4.2 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 at week 4, 8, and 12, respectively, with a significant difference (p 2 max at week 8 and 12 compared to baseline. The individualized group had increases in VO 2 max from online 2 9.5±7.5 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 at baseline to 30.6±8.4, 31.4±8.4, and 32.8±8.6 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 at week 4, 8, and 12, respectively. In the individualized group, there were significant differences (p 2 max from baseline to week 8 and 12 and a significant increase in VO 2 max from week 8 to 1 online 2 . Although not statistically significant, our preliminary data demonstrates a more rapid and potent improvement in VO 2 max when exercise intensity is individualized. This is the first investigation to employ use of the verification procedure to confirm ‘true VO 2 max’ changes following exercise training using ventilatory thresholds.