An early increase in VE leads to a difference in work rate between POE and AT.
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Differences in breathing patterns don’t explain the difference between POE and AT.
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The POE-AT work rate difference is positive correlated to the aerobic capacity.
Abstract
Background
The point of optimal ventilatory efficiency (POE) and the anaerobic threshold (AT) are traditionally considered the same ventilatory indices, but recently differences between them have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify different response patterns regarding POE and AT, and to analyse differences in breathing patterns as a possible explanation.
Methods
118 females and 199 males aged 50 to 60 years performed an exercise test with gas analysis. POE and AT were determined, and the breathing patterns concerning ventilation, breathing frequency and tidal volume were assessed.
Results and Conclusion
Our study identified two different response patterns concerning the ventilatory indices POE and AT. Participants with a work rate difference between POE and AT (82% of all participants) were not different regarding breathing patterns of breathing frequency and tidal volume. However, the difference in work rate was explained by an early increase in ventilation and a higher aerobic capacity.
