Limited Benefit of Fatmax-Test to Derive Training Prescriptions
Abstract
The intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax) is recommended for training fat metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether Fatmax leads to the highest fat oxidation rates during prolonged exercise. It was hypothesized that there are no differences in fat oxidation rates among 3 different exercise intensities. Therefore, fat metabolism was compared among 1-h constant load tests at Fatmax, a higher and a lower intensity. A cohort of 16 male cyclists (28±6 yrs, BMI: 22.5±1.2 kg/m2; n=8 with maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] of 50-60 ml/min/kg [ET]; n=8 with VO2max>60 ml/min/kg [HET]) completed a maximal incremental cycling test, a submaximal incremental Fatmax-test and, thereafter, three 1-h constant-load tests in randomized order at Fatmax, one exercise stage below (LOW) and one above (HIGH). LOW, Fatmax and HIGH were performed at 52±13, 60±13 and 70±12% VO2max. Heart rate and blood lactate were significantly different (p<0.001). However, the fat oxidation rate showed no difference (p=0.61). This was also true within each subgroup (ET: p=0.69, HET p=0.61). In conclusion, the fat oxidation rate of endurance trained cyclists shows no difference between 1-h constant load exercise bouts at about 50-70% VO2max. The precision and necessity of Fatmax-tests for controlling the training of fat oxidation are therefore debatable.
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Moderate-intensity aerobic training (AT) has the highest fat-burning efficiency since it is performed closest to the maximum fat oxidation intensity (FATmax).
“Previously, the prevailing view was that moderate-intensity aerobic training (AT) has the highest fat-burning efficiency since it is performed closest to the maximum fat oxidation intensity (FATmax) [2].”
From High-intensity interval training or lactate administration combined with aerobic training enhances visceral fat loss while promoting VMH neuroplasticity in female rats (2024) · cites this paper as [2]
The Abstract (page not provided) says training at Fatmax had been recommended for fat metabolism, supporting the claim's description of a prior view. It does not establish that moderate-intensity training has the highest fat-burning efficiency: in the cyclists studied, fat oxidation did not differ across one-hour bouts at Fatmax and the lower and higher intensities. (LLM, conf=0.85)
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- Authors
- Schwindling, S., Scharhag-Rosenberger, F., Kindermann, W., & Meyer, T.
- Affiliations
- Saarland University (DE)
- Heidelberg University Hospital, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
- Corresponding author
- Schwindling, S.
- Venue
- International Journal of Sports Medicine
- Publisher
- Georg Thieme Verlag KG
- Published
- 2013-09-10
- Volume
- 35
- Issue
- 04
- Pages
- 280-285
- ISSN
- 0172-4622 (ISSN-L)
- 1439-3964
- OpenAlex
- W2092497854
- Cited by
- 27
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 1 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 3
- FWCI
- 6.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Keywords
- fat oxidation, exercise intensity, training prescription, endurance training, cyclists, blood lactate, heart rate, VO2max, fat metabolism
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Bicycling, Calorimetry, Indirect, Energy Metabolism, Exercise Test, Heart Rate, Humans, Male, Oxidation-Reduction, Oxygen Consumption, Physical Education and Training, Physical Endurance, Respiration, Anaerobic Threshold, Lactic Acid, Lipid Metabolism, Young Adult
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