Relationship between VO2max and repeated sprint ability using non-motorised treadmill ergometry

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) using non-motorised treadmill ergometry. Methods. Ten male participants (mean [standard deviation] VO2max: 57.5 [2.1] mL.kg(-l).min(-1)) completed a RSA test (10, 6-s sprints with 34-s recovery) on a non-motorised treadmill. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured during the RSA test and the decrement of performance fatigue (%(d)) was calculated for the performance indices mean maximal speed (MxSp) and average power output (AvPO). Results. There were significant relationships between VO2max and the %(d) MxSp (r=-0.75, P<0.05) and VO2max and the %(d) AvPO (r=-0.69, P<0.05). There were also significant relationships between VO2max and HR recovery (r=0.56, P<0.05) and VO2max and VO2 recovery (r=0.7, P<0.01). However, while no significant relationships were reported between HR recovery and %(d) MxSp (r=0.45, P>0.05) and HR recovery and %(d) AvPO (r=-0.52, P>0.05), significant relationships were observed between VO2 recovery and %(d) MxSp (r=-0.75, P<0.05) and between VO2 recovery and %(d) AvPO (r=-0.77, P<0.05). Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that VO2max may be an important factor determining RSA during repeated, high-intensity running-based exercise, such as field hockey, rugby and soccer.