Scientific article
Review
English

Maximal oxygen consumption in healthy humans: theories and facts

ContributorsFerretti, Guido
Published inEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 114, no. 10, p. 2007-2036
Errata
  • The author would like to correct the sentence after Eq. (33) in the publication of his review article. It should read as: "The exponent of Eq. (30) is equal to the natural logarithm of F p, an equivalence allowing inclusion of the diffusion–perfusion interaction equation for peripheral capillaries in di Prampero’s model, and representing a further step towards a more complete representation of the quantitative relations describing oxygen flow at maximal exercise."
  • DOI : 10.1007/s00421-015-3102-3
  • PMID : 25577408
Publication date2014
Abstract

This article reviews the concept of maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) from the perspective of multifactorial models of [Formula: see text] limitation. First, I discuss procedural aspects of [Formula: see text] measurement: the implications of ramp protocols are analysed within the theoretical work of Morton. Then I analyse the descriptive physiology of [Formula: see text], evidencing the path that led to the view of monofactorial cardiovascular or muscular [Formula: see text] limitation. Multifactorial models, generated by the theoretical work of di Prampero and Wagner around the oxygen conductance equation, represented a radical change of perspective. These models are presented in detail and criticized with respect to the ensuing experimental work. A synthesis between them is proposed, demonstrating how much these models coincide and converge on the same conclusions. Finally, I discuss the cases of hypoxia and bed rest, the former as an example of the pervasive effects of the shape of the oxygen equilibrium curve, the latter as a neat example of adaptive changes concerning the entire respiratory system. The conclusion is that the concept of cardiovascular [Formula: see text] limitation is reinforced by multifactorial models, since cardiovascular oxygen transport provides most of the [Formula: see text] limitation, at least in normoxia. However, the same models show that the role of peripheral resistances is significant and cannot be neglected. The role of peripheral factors is greater the smaller is the active muscle mass. In hypoxia, the intervention of lung resistances as limiting factors restricts the role played by cardiovascular and peripheral factors.

Keywords
  • Exercise
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Muscle
  • Oxygen flow
  • Models
  • Hypoxia
  • Bed rest
Citation (ISO format)
FERRETTI, Guido. Maximal oxygen consumption in healthy humans: theories and facts. In: European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2014, vol. 114, n° 10, p. 2007–2036. doi: 10.1007/s00421-014-2911-0
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Article (Published version)
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Erratum
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Identifiers
Additional URL for this publicationhttp://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00421-014-2911-0
Journal ISSN1439-6319
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