Effects of different increments in workload and duration on peak physiological responses during seated upper-body poling

Purpose To compare the effects of test protocols with different increments in workload and duration on peak oxygen uptake ( V̇ O 2peak ), and related physiological parameters during seated upper-body poling (UBP). Methods Thirteen upper-body trained, male individuals completed four UBP test protocols with increments in workload until volitional exhaustion in a counterbalanced order: 20 W increase/every 30 s, 20 W/60 s, 10 W/30 s and 10 W/60 s. Cardio-respiratory parameters and power output were measured throughout the duration of each test. Peak blood lactate concentration (bLa peak ) was measured after each test. Results The mixed model analysis revealed no overall effect of test protocol on V̇ O 2peak , peak minute ventilation (VE peak ), peak heart rate (HR peak ), bLa peak (all p ≥ 0.350), whereas an overall effect of test protocol was found on peak power output (PO peak ) ( p = 0.0001), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ( p = 0.024) and test duration ( p < 0.001). There was no difference in PO peak between the 20 W/60 s (175 ± 25 W) and 10 W/30 s test (169 ± 27 W; p = 0.092), whereas PO peak was lower in the 10 W/60 s test (152 ± 21 W) and higher in the 20 W/30 s test (189 ± 30 W) compared to the other tests (all p = 0.001). In addition, RER was 9.9