The influence of pacing strategy on V̇O2 and supramaximal kayak performance

D. BISHOP, D. BONETTI, and B. DAWSON. The influence of pacing strategy on [latin capital V with dot above]O2 and supramaximal kayak performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 1041–1047, 2002.\ud \ud Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of manipulating pacing strategy on [latin capital V with dot above]O2 and kayak ergometer performance in well-trained paddlers.\ud \ud Methods: Eight well-trained kayak paddlers (500-m time = 115-125 s) first performed a graded exercise test for determination of [latin capital V with dot above]O2max and lactate (La-) parameters. On subsequent days and in a random, counterbalanced order, subjects performed a 2-min, kayak ergometer test using either an all-out start or even pacing strategy.\ud \ud Results: There was a significantly greater peak power (747.6 ± 152.0 vs 558.3 ± 110.1 W) and average power (348.5 ± 47.6 vs 335.5 ± 44.8 W) using the all-out start strategy, when compared with the even-paced strategy. There was however, no significant difference between the two pacing strategies for peak [latin capital V with dot above]O2, accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD), peak [La-], or posttest pH. Using the all-out start, total [latin capital V with dot above]O2 was significantly greater (7.3 ± 0.8 vs 6.9 ± 0.8 L).\ud \ud Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that 2-min kayak ergometer performance is significantly greater following an all-out start strategy when compared with an even-paced strategy. The improved performance appears to be attributable to faster [latin capital V with dot above]O2 kinetics, without a significant change in the total AOD (although the AOD distribution was altered)