Aerobic power:
Ability of the muscles to use oxygen received form the heart and lungs to produce energy. More efficient this process becomes, aerobic power improves. Therefore aerobic power is usually monitored and tested using VO2 max.
Maximal aerobic speed (MAS):
Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) is simply the lowest running speed at which maximum oxygen uptake (V02 max) occurs, and is typically referred to as the velocity at V02 max (vV02 max).
MAS is then simply the ‘slowest’ speed an athlete will achieve their V02 max (figure 1)
Figure 1: Buchheit, M. (2010). The 30-15 intermittent fitness test – 10-year review
Athletes and activities:
Athletes competing in long distance events (where oxygen is necessary) opposed to anaerobic activities (where oxygen is lower priority for energy production eg. 100m sprint).
- long distance walking, running, cycling, swimming and cross-country skiing.
Testing:
Selecting aerobic power tests and protocols for endurance athletes should begin with the persons training preferences. It is recommended to choose maximal or sub-maximal aerobic power tests that ext matches the demands of the sport.
Some MAS tests involve linear running, others involve shuttle-based running, some are continuous, others are incremental, and some are steady-paced, whilst others are timed.
1200m Shuttle Test
2km Rowing/Ergo Testing:
Lab bicycle Ergometer Testing:
