KAY, B.; STANNARD, S. R.; MORTON, R. H. Hyperoxia during recovery improves
peak power during repeated Wingate cycle performance. Brazilian Journal of
Biomotricity, v. 2, n. 2, p. 92-100, 2008. Purpose: We have used a random order single
blind crossover design to assess the effect of breathing 21% O2, 60% O2, and 100% O2
during a four-minute recovery from a 30s maximal cycle exercise protocol on repeat
performance of the exercise. All pairs of Wingate tests were undertaken by participants
breathing ambient air, the O2 percentage was manipulated only during recovery
between the exercise bouts. Participants: Participants were 12 males: age 20 or 21,
height 181 ± 11 cm, body mass 79 ± 7 kg [means ± SD]). Results: Peak power output
was higher during the second Wingate test after 100% O2 breathing than after both
21% and 60% O2 breathing, however the rate of fatigue was closely correlated with
peak power. Total work was similar for all second tests. Conclusions: 100% O2
breathing during a four-minute recovery from maximal exercise appears to improve
absolute power output in a subsequent exhaustive exercise test, however the rate of
fatigue is also increased and the transient ergogenic effect is therefore short lived:
perhaps 1-2 seconds. The utility of such an intervention to most sports and physically
demanding situations is therefore likely to be limited.
