Spiroergometry for today's athlete

Breathing out the perfect training range - Spiroergometry for today's athlete

What has long been standard in the professional sector is increasingly becoming possible for semi-professional athletes and amateur athletes thanks to modern equipment. Determining the optimal load zone for endurance training is now easily possible for anyone. As spiroergometry is the term used to describe a process in which by measuring respiratory gases under physical stress conclusions can be drawn about physical endurance. Especially in the performance diagnostics important findings regarding the individual anaerobic threshold can be obtained.

Functionality

The measurement takes place via a face maskwhich is placed as close as possible to the face and guides the exhaled air to the measuring device. The amount of inhaled and exhaled air is measured by means of a volume sensor. Gas sensors are installed in the measuring device, with which the composition of exhaled air is analyzed. A comparison of the composition of the exhaled air with the ambient air occurs automatically, allowing the gas composition of each breath to be quantified.

At the same time, increasing resistance on the ergometer results in increasing physical stress. This makes it possible to detect the exact point at which a drop in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the exhaled air can be detected during increasing exertion. This point is called the respiratory compensation point which is important for the athlete to know.

What is measured?

It continuously monitors the main breathing gas parameters in the course of the investigation:

• Respiratory minute volume
• Oxygen intake
• Carbon dioxide emission
• Breathing rate

From this, the device calculates a wide range of parameters,such as the respiratory quotient, various respiratory equivalents and the respiratory volume. Especially during the course, these values also allow conclusions to be drawn about the efficiency of the training.

Respiratory compensation point

At this point / during this load, the anaerobic energy supply of the body begins to increasingly cover the energy demand. This point is so important for the athlete because with increased anaerobic energy supply the body becomes increasingly over-acidified. In the area of the respiratory compensation point the load intensity can be maintained for 60 - 120 minutes It thus corresponds to the continuous power limit - an important area for endurance athletes.

Anaerobic threshold

The continuous power limit is slightly below the anaerobic threshold.The anaerobic threshold refers to the highest possible load intensity at which the same amount of lactate is formed as can be broken down. Beyond this, there is an increase in the lactate level. Recommended is a training just below the anaerobic threshold - i.e. exactly in the area of the respiratory compensation point..

Optimal training range

The optimal training range for increasing endurance is therefore in the aerobic range below the respiratory compensation point. However, this is individual and also subject to a certain training effect. It should therefore be determined regularly to design the training within the correct, appropriate pulse limits. You are rewarded with a increase in endurance and a training without increasing muscular fatigue..

Summary

In summary, it can be said that a accompanying spiroergometry the own can improve endurance training sustainably . Through the regular determination of the respiratory compensation point (continuous power limit) and thus the individual pulse limits for optimal personal endurance training, the training is much more effective. You will benefit from this not only in competition!