Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and determinants of endurance performance.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing physiological mechanisms without systematic search methodology.
PubMed 10647532 · doi:10.1097/00005768-200001000-00012
What was done
This is a narrative review synthesizing physiological evidence on the central and peripheral factors limiting maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and determining endurance performance in exercising humans.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. It states that oxygen delivery by the cardiorespiratory system limits VO2max based on three lines of evidence: VO2max alters when oxygen delivery is manipulated (via blood doping, hypoxia, or beta-blockade); training-induced increases in VO2max stem mainly from increased maximal cardiac output rather than arteriovenous oxygen difference; and overperfused small muscle masses show high oxygen consumption capacities. For submaximal performance, skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations (increased mitochondrial enzyme activities) improve fat oxidation and reduce lactate accumulation. Speed at lactate threshold is identified as integrating VO2max, fractional utilization, and running economy to best predict distance running performance.
Why it matters
It distinguishes central cardiovascular delivery as the primary limiter of ceiling aerobic capacity from peripheral metabolic adaptations that drive sustained submaximal endurance performance.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without systematic search criteria, meta-analytic pooling, or quality appraisal of included studies. No empirical data, sample sizes, or population details are reported.
Cited by
- supports An increase in stroke volume is the primary physiological adaptation responsible for improvements in VO2 max.