WARREN, G. L. and K. J. CURETON. Modeling the effect of alterations in hemoglobin concentration on [latin capital V with dot above]O2maX. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 526-531, 1989. Studies investigating the effects of experimental alterations in hemoglobin concentration on [latin capital V with dot above]O2max have been equivocal. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop a comprehensive model of the oxygen transport system based on a lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system and 2) to test the new model's ability to predict [latin capital V with dot above]O2max changes observed in studies that have manipulated [Hb]. The resulting model demonstrates that blood volume changes that accompany venesection or blood doping may account for the apparent lack of a consistent [Hb]: [latin capital V with dot above]O2max relationship. A 1 1 drop in blood volume is predicted to reduce [latin capital V with dot above]O2max by approximately 20%. A decrease in hemoglobin concentration of 2.6 g[middle dot]dl-1 is needed to achieve a similar decrement. The accuracy of the model in predicting [latin capital V with dot above]O2max changes was tested by comparing the variance of the differences between predicted and observed changes in 19 studies with the total within-subject variance for [latin capital V with dot above]O2max measurement. This analysis indicates that there was no significant difference between the changes in [latin capital V with dot above]O2max observed and those predicted if a measurement error of 6.3% or greater was assumed. Analysis of data in the literature using our modified lumped parameter model reinforces those studies that have found [latin capital V with dot above]O2max changes to parallel changes in total body hemoglobin. The model developed is potentially useful for more accurately predicting changes in [latin capital V with dot above]O2max from alterations in hemoglobin concentration and/or blood volume.
(C)1989The American College of Sports Medicine