INTRODUCTION: The specificity of cardiorespiratory and metabolic adaptations of aerobic and strength training evoke different responses during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Objective: To describe the cardiorespiratory behavior during metabolic transition (MT) of CPET, runners and bodybuilders compared to a control group. METHODS: Men aged 21-55 years were grouped as follows: runners group (RG, n=30), strength group (SG, n=23) and control group (CG, n=38). The subjects underwent anthropometric and CPET assessment with analysis of ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP). We calculated the running economy by the relationship between VO2 and test speed (ECINCLINA). RESULTS: In metabolic transition phase, the running speed (km/h) was higher in the RG group (4.2±1.6) vs. CG (2.7±1.6) and SG (2.8±1.0); P<0.05. The RG had higher VO2LAV, VO2PCR, and VO2MAX (36±8; 46±8, 51±8 vs. 24±6, 35±5, 40 ± 6, and 26±6, 35±6, 40± 7ml.kg-1.min-1; P<0.05) compared to group CG and SG, respectively, even after allometric correction. The resting heart rate was lower among RG and CG (R=52±6; C=60±8 bpm, P<0.05). In the MT phase the RG had a greater increase in workload and less change in oxygen pulse compared to CG and SG. The VO2 during MT did not differ between groups. The RG showed lower ECINCLINA in the closing stages of the test compared to CG and SG. CONCLUSION: The RG showed higher metabolic efficiency in progressive transitions of effort intensity in relation to CG and SG and the SG does not display enhanced transition capacity in CPET, even when compared to sedentary individuals.
resistance training; running; energy metabolism; anaerobic threshold
