The Effects of Assault on a Graded Exercise Test

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) is the maximal capacity of the body to transport oxygen while performing the Bruce Protocol, an incremental stress test. VO₂ max is the best indicator of an individual’s cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance because the more oxygen you can use during a high level exercise, the more ATP (energy) is being produced and is measured in milliliters of oxygen used per kilogram of body weight in one minute (ml/kg/min). PURPOSE: The purpose of this research study was to examine whether Assault, a vasodilator, will improve results on a Bruce Protocol Stress Test. METHODS: Eight healthy, fit males (age 21.7 ± 2.69, height 172.4 ± 5.76 cm, weight 72.7 ± 10.80 kg) who are enrolled in The University of Texas at Arlington volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject performed a graded exercise test on the treadmill until exhaustion. During each test heart rate, blood pressure, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded while the systematic machine recorded relative maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max). RESULTS: While consuming the placebo, the maximal oxygen consumption was 44.4 ± 4.39; maximal heart rate 191 ± 7.53; maximal blood pressure (2.15 ± .13); and rate of perceived exertion 17.3 ± 0.76. One the other hand, while consuming Assault, the maximal oxygen consumption was 44.6 ± 4.82; maximal heart rate 193 ± 6.58; maximal blood pressure (2.20 ± .39); and rate of perceived exertion 17.5 ± 0.53. There was no significant difference in maximal oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate, maximal blood pressure, or rate of perceived exertion whether consuming the placebo or Assault (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Analyzing the results reveals that participants had similar values while consuming either the placebo or Assault. This research study concludes that there is no significant difference in VO₂ max (p = .61), max heart rate (p = .06), max blood pressure (p = .36), and rate of perceived exertion (p = .53); therefore we accept the null hypothesis.