The VO2max plateau is not associated with the anaerobic capacity in physically active subjects

Abstract The present study aimed to verify if the incidence of plateau is associated with anaerobic capacity. Therefore, nine physically active male (age: 23 ± 4 yr; body mass: 72.4 ± 8.2 kg; height: 176.4 ± 6.8 cm; VO2max: 41.3 ± 5.7 ml.kg-1.min-1) participated in the present study. The subjects in a cycle ergometer the following tests: a) maximum incremental test to determination of VO2max; b) six submaximal tests for determination of supra maximum demand of O2; c) supra maximum test for maximum accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) determination. The plateau was identified when the difference in the VO2 in the last two stages of incremental test was ≤ 2.1 ml.kg-1.min-1. It was observed an inverse correlation, although no significant, between MAOD and VO2 plateau (r = -0,61; p > 0,05). Thus, it appears that anaerobic capacity is not a decisive factor for determining the incidence of VO2 plateau in physically active individuals.