What are the controlling factors of V02 max?
The term central command refers to a motor signal developed within the brain. The central command theory of cardiovascular control argues that the initial cardiovascular changes at the beginning of exercise are due to centrally generated cardiovascular motor signals, which set the general pattern of the cardiovascular response. However, it is commonly believed that cardiovascular activity can be and is modified by muscle chemoreceptors, muscle mechanoreceptors, and pressure-sensitive receptors (baroreceptors) located within the carotid arteries and the aortic arch. Muscle chemoreceptors are sensitive to increases in muscle metabolites (e.g. potassium, lactic acid, etc.) and send messages to higher brain centers to fine-tune the cardiovascular responses to exercise. This is called peripheral feedback. In a recent research study by Hagberg and associates, older endurance trained athletes had greater V02 max than their sedentary peers, and this difference was associated with significantly
