AbstractsMedical & Health Science

The anaerobic threshold hypothesis suggests a causal link between the ventilatory and lactate responses to exercise. If such a causal link exists, it should be evident in all subjects, regardless of fitness levels. There is also evidence to support a role of potassium in the regulation of ventilation. Further, numerous authors have suggested that submaximal threshold indices can accurately predict performance. The following conclusions were drawn from the results of this thesis:(1) changes in ventilation during exercise are regulated by a number of inputs including La- and K+, both of which are important;(2) the LT1 and the VT1 may have a causal relationship even considering the role of K+ in the regulation of ventilation; and(3) threshold indices measured during incremental work tests do not accurately predict endurance performance, represented by a one hour self-paced trial.