Question

Indicate the physiologic difference between the "slow-component of VO2" and "VO2Drift"

Answer 1

The slow component of VO2 represents a progressive loss of skeletal muscle contractile efficiency and is associated with the fatigue process. It is a measure of slowly developing increase in VO2 during constant work rate exercise performed above the lactate threshold [ lactate is produced in the muscles when there is not enough oxygen to break down the glucose completely]. The VO2 slow component is intimately linked to the process of fatigue.

VO2 drift is the steady oxygen uptake at a higher than expected level during high intensity exercises. However, during very intense and prolonged muscle activity, it may not stabilize and continue to drift higher.