Effects on Oxygen Consumption and Metabolic Gene Expression when Determining Experimental Exercise Intensity Based on Exercise Capacity Tests Conducted in Hypoxic and Normoxic Environments

Effects on Oxygen Consumption and Metabolic Gene Expression when Determining Experimental Exercise Intensity Based on Exercise Capacity Tests Conducted in Hypoxic and Normoxic Environments

Exercise intensities utilized in experimental designs are usually determined relative to maximal aerobic capacity (i.e. 65% VO2 max). This becomes a challenge when studying the effects of hypoxia and altitude versus normoxic control conditions since acute hypoxia decreases VO2 max when compared to normoxic conditions. Endurance trained individuals with an average sea level VO2 max of 65.5 ml x kg-1 min-1 would be projected to have an average VO2 max at 2500 m of 57.7 ml x kg-1 min-1, or a 7.8% decrease.