Daniel Walden

Field Tests of Maximal Aerobic and Anaerobic Power

Lab Time: Thurs 12:40 – 3:25

September 9, 2009
 Data Summary Questions

1. Using graph paper, draw a graph with the following pairs of values. Put V02 on the y-
axis and velocity on the x-axis.

Velocity (m/min) V02 (ml/kg/min)

130 29.5
160 35.5
190 41.5
220 47.5
250 53.5
280 59.5
310 65.5

Graph of Avg Velocity vs Estimated V02max

70

60

50

40

30

20
V02 (ml/kg/min)
10

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Velocity (m/min

2a. Locate your average velocity on the x-axis, go up to line and over to y-axis and
identify your V02max.
V02max = 43 ml/kg/min

2b. Express your V02max in kcal/min.

43 ml/kg/min x 79.54 kg = 3420.22 ml/min x (1L / 1000ml) = 3.42 L/min
3.42 L/min x (5 kcal / L O2 ) = 17.10 kcal/min
 Questions

1. Compare your anaerobic metabolic energy production measured on the Margaria stair-
climb test with your maximal aerobic power measured with the Balke 12-15 min run test.
Explain why you think the values were as different as they are.

For the stair climb my aerobic power was 73.88 kcal/min, as opposed to 17.10 kcal/min
for the Balke run test. The values are different because for such a short bout of exercise,
such as the .6 - .8 seconds that the Margaria takes, the anaerobic system supplies the
energy for the duration. Since the body is working at such a higher metabolic energy
production rate for this short exercise bout, it will seem much larger than the Balke test
because it can only be maintained for a very minimal interval. The Balke takes into
account that the optimum duration to predict maximal oxygen uptake is 12-15 minutes,
and the body will operate at the greatest possible speed for that duration. They also differ
because one tests is examining anaerobic, where as the other looks at aerobic.

2. What sports for you think would require a high maximal aerobic power? A high
maximal anaerobic power?

A high maximal aerobic power would be ideal for marathons, triathlons, distance
swimmers, cross country skiers, and other sports requiring energy for activities lasting
more than 2-3 minutes long. A high maximal anaerobic power would be ideal for 100,
200, and 400 meter sprinters or swimmers, surfers when paddling in to catch a wave, and
rowers.

3. Would a sprinter have a higher aerobic or anaerobic power than a long distance
runner?

A sprinter would have a higher anaerobic power than a distance runner because the power
source is being called upon for a short exercise bout lasting around a minute. Since the
contribution of anaerobic decreases from about 60 seconds onward, a higher aerobic
power would be more suitable for a distance runner.

4. Distinguish between power and capacity.

Power is defined as work done per unit time, thus power is a rate. Capacity is an amount.
In reference to the subject matter, power can be the rate at which kcal are burned per
hour, whereas capacity is the amount available to burn, until the energy source is
exhausted.