Hyperoxia during recovery improves peak power during repeated Wingate cycle performance

Abstract

Abstract KAY, B.; STANNARD, S. R.; MORTON, R. H. Hyperoxia during recovery improves peak power during repeated Wingate cycle performance. Brazilian Journal of Biomotricity, v. 2, n. 2, p. 92-100, 2008. Purpose: We have used a random order single blind crossover design to assess the effect of breathing 21% O 2 , 60% O 2 , and 100% O 2 during a four-minute recovery from a 30s maximal cycle exercise protocol on repeat performance of the exercise. All pairs of Wingate tests were undertaken by participants breathing ambient air, the O 2 percentage was manipulated only during recovery between the exercise bouts. Participants: Participants were 12 males: age 20 or 21, height 181 ± 11 cm, body mass 79 ± 7 kg [means ± SD]). Results: Peak power output was higher during the second Wingate test after 100% O 2 breathing than after both 21% and 60% O 2 breathing, however the rate of fatigue was closely correlated with peak power. Total work was similar for all second tests. Conclusions: 100% O 2 breathing during a four-minute recovery from maximal exercise appears to improve absolute power output in a subsequent exhaustive exercise test, however the rate of fatigue is also increased and the transient ergogenic effect is therefore short lived: perhaps 1-2 seconds. The utility of such an intervention to most sports and physically demanding situations is therefore likely to be limited.