Central cardiovascular system limits to aerobic capacity.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing physiological mechanisms without systematic search criteria or primary data
PubMed 32058638 · doi:10.1113/EP088187
What was done
This paper provides a narrative physiological review synthesizing concepts and literature regarding the central cardiovascular determinants of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) and their role in setting the upper limits of endurance exercise performance.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or statistical metrics. It describes that cardiac output, stroke volume, and red blood cell mass, combined with skeletal muscle blood flow, govern systemic oxygen delivery and set the ceiling for aerobic energy production in healthy humans, with pulmonary constraints contributing in elite athletes and individuals with pulmonary disease.
Why it matters
It outlines the central physiological framework defining how cardiac pump capacity and blood oxygen-carrying capacity constrain sustained energy production and athletic pacing.
Limits
The paper is a narrative overview rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis, reporting no new empirical data, effect sizes, search methodology, or study inclusion criteria in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Stroke volume and cardiac output are the primary physiological limiting factors for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in elite competitive endurance athletes.