Physical exercise can induce changes in gas exchange and ventilation kinetics. Of these, some will lead to various adaptations which can influence performance and health. We conducted a single-center observational study on 40 participants. Of them, 20 participants came from volleyball (Sample 1) and the other 20 participants came from triathlon (Sample 2). All participants underwent anthropometric and basal metabolic rate measurements, along with a laboratory aerobic capacity test (VO2peak). In Sample 1, the VO2peak was 2.38 L/min and 37.5 mL/min/kg, unlike in Sample 2, which had 2.31 L/min (p = 0.402, Mann-Whitney U = 204) and 43 mL/min/kg oxygen uptake (p = 0.0001). VE/VO2 was significantly different (p = 0.0002, Mann-Whitney U = 80), reaching 31.3 and 36.1 L/min in Sample 1 and Sample 2. Similar results were obtained regarding VE/VCO2 (p = 0.0074, Mann-Whitney U = 126), i.e., 31.3 and 33.9 L/min in Sample 1 and Sample 2. The contribution of physical activity was observed in both groups by taking into account the peak oxygen uptake. In comparison, the team sports sample showed an increased metabolic cost at the VO2peak.
Keywords: body composition; energy expenditure; physical activity; physical fitness; physical training.