Respiratory indices by gas analysis and fat metabolism by indirect calorimetry in normal subjects and triathletes.

BACKGROUND

The effects of exercise on different indices reflecting the metabolism have been of interest for a long time, and a relationship between anaerobic indices and maximal oxygen uptake has been established. The inter-relationship between different respiratory indices during an exercise test remains to be studied in order to understand differences between individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine three respiratory indices and investigate their inter-relationship in individuals with highly variable working capacity. A second aim was to investigate the fat metabolism at the VO(2) corresponding to the respiratory compensation point (Pq) in the different subjects using indirect calorimetry.

METHODS

Sixty control subjects (20 female) and 18 triathletes (six female) performed an exercise test with gas analysis. Three respiratory indices, derivative crossing (Dx), point of crossing (Px) and respiratory compensation point (Pq), were calculated using a computerized method. Fat metabolism at Pq was calculated using indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Two different sequences of the respiratory indices were found: Dx<Px<Pq and Dx<Pq<Px. In subjects whom Px occurred before Pq, no fat metabolism was seen at Pq, whilst in subjects with Pq occurring before Px, a combined aerobic fat metabolism and anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism was found at Pq.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown two different sequences of the respiratory indices Dx, Px and Pq in subjects of varying working capacity. The individual differences in the order of occurrence of Px and Pq during the exercise test are most likely caused by different abilities to metabolize fat at high workloads.