Clinical Determinants of VO₂ max Response to Endurance Training: HERITAGE Family Study

Author

Emanuel Ayala

Date of Award

Fall 2021

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Exercise Science

First Advisor

Mark Sarzynski

Abstract

Background: Maximal oxygen uptake trainability (U+0394VO₂max) is largely determined by non-modifiable traits. However, less is known of the contribution of modifiable phenotypes to VO₂max response to endurance training. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between baseline cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and body composition traits and U+0394VO₂max.

Methods: Subjects were 717 healthy, physically inactive adults (44% female, 34% Black) who completed a 20-week, highly standardized, endurance training program as part of the HERITAGE Family Study. Resting and exercise phenotypes were collected at baseline and post-training. A total of 33 variables related to cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and body composition phenotypes were entered into a forward selection model with U+0394VO₂maxabs (mL/min) as the dependent variable. Alternative U+0394VO₂max outcome regression models were performed across the study sample, including models with change in relative (mL/kg/min) and percent change in absolute and relative VO₂max. Models were then stratified by race and sex. The frequency of significant phenotypes was summed across all models. A baseline signature of U+0394VO₂maxabs was explored using a LASSO penalized regression model with a total of 102 variables.

Results: The final model revealed 10 baseline traits significantly (p2maxabs. Submaximal cardiopulmonary phenotypes showed positive (e.g., cardiac output at 50 W) and negative (e.g., stroke volume index, arteriovenous oxygen difference at 50 W) associations with U+0394VO₂max_abs. Body composition traits were also positively (e.g., fat free mass) and negatively (e.g., abdominal visceral fat) associated with U+0394VO₂max_abs. Resting lactate concentration was negatively associated with U+0394VO₂max_abs. Body composition and metabolic phenotypes were consistently significant in Black and male subjects. Submaximal cardiopulmonary phenotypes were mostly significant in White and female subjects. The baseline signature of U+0394VO₂max_abs was comprised of submaximal cardiac output and fat free mass.

Conclusion: Intrinsic values of body composition, resting lactate, and submaximal cardiopulmonary phenotypes may represent targets to maximize the cardiorespiratory fitness benefits of regular endurance exercise. Further research is needed to examine the influence of these traits on U+0394VO₂max across varying exercise types and doses.

Rights

© 2021, Emanuel Ayala

Recommended Citation

Ayala, E.(2021). Clinical Determinants of VO₂ max Response to Endurance Training: HERITAGE Family Study. (Master's thesis). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/6593