Purpose: It is possible that, under certain circumstances and with appropriate caveats, the highest rate of carbon dioxide output during exercise (VCO2peak) could be valuable in the physiological evaluation of athletes. The aim of this study was to compare a ramp incremental test, a 30-second Wingate test, and a 3-minute all-out test to identify the protocol that provides the highest VCO2peak value. Methods: Twelve physically active males completed the 3 tests in random order on a cycle ergometer. Breath-by-breath cardiorespiratory responses were measured before the onset of exercise, throughout the exercise sessions, and during the first 15 minutes of recovery to determine the highest 15-second mean VCO2 responses. Capillary blood lactate concentration ([lactate]) was assessed at rest and postexercise to determine peak delta [lactate]. Results: The VCO2peak was significantly greater in the 3-minute all-out test (64 [5] mL·min-1·kg-1) than in both the incremental exercise test (57 [5] mL·min-1·kg-1; P < .001) and the Wingate test (53 [8] mL·min-1·kg-1; P < .001). Peak delta [lactate] was higher in the 3-minute all-out test (15.9 [2.7] mM) than the ramp test (11.9 [2.6] mM; P < .05) but did not differ from the Wingate test (13.3 [2.6] mM; P > .05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the VCO2peak was approximately 12% to 21% higher in the 3-minute all-out test compared with the incremental exercise test and the Wingate test. Future considerations of a possible role for VCO2peak in the physiological evaluation of athletes should ensure that an appropriate test protocol, such as the 3-minute all-out test, is used for its assessment.
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