What causes hyperventilation at max aerobic power?



bikeguy

New Member
May 31, 2004
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I was just thinking about the big increase in rate of breathing that occurs as I near max aerobic power, and I'm wondering what causes this? It can't be to bring in more oxygen, because my increase in breathing going from up to 440 watts from 400 watts is about 30% yet the power increase is only 10%. I
always fail (to increase power) because I get pain in my respiratory muscles (diffusely around rib cage, or bottom of rib cage). I no longer experience feelings of heaviness or fatigue in my legs (except after maybe 4-6 hrs) unlike last year
when I most certainly did. I get this feeling like the heavy breathing at max aerobic power is almost an overcompensation, or some kind of reaction to stress without really being tremendously useful itself. Any exercise physiologists here know why the sudden jump in respiratory exchange in going from 90% to 100% VO2 max?

-Bikeguy
 
Pain around your rib cage doesn't sound good. The only time I get pain anywhere near my rib cage is when I start getting slight asthmatic symptoms. I know what that is - if I didn't I'd be talking to a doctor.
 
I appreciate your concern Danch, but I have never had asthma, or asthma
symptoms. I did have peridcarditis 15 months ago and was in the hospital for a week and the doctors including a heart specialist took a good look at my heart with ultrasound equipment and didn't find anything. My heart was also looked at under stress during a graded ramp on a stationary bike and nothing abnormal
was found, heart or otherwise.

I've always had moderate pain in the rib cage when really pushing it running
or cycling (eg 8 minutes at 380 watts after 20 min at 280 W), although usually my legs would always hurt more then my rib cage, till now. I don't think there's anything unusual about this, although perhaps others could comment.

-Bikeguy
 
I sometimes suffer significant pain in the rib cage, when performing VO2Max workouts. Plus, Respiratory Compensation Point (hyperventillation) becomes very unconfortable for me as well.

I take it very personal. I hate being put in front of my (oh so big) limitations. It really pisses me off.