The role of maximal oxygen uptake in exercise performance.

The maximal ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body establishes the upper limit of endurance performance; however, the ability of the skeletal muscles to utilize a high oxygen load for a sustained period of time is also of great importance. The fatigue that limits endurance is due to a local limitation of oxygen or substrate, which leads to excessive anaerobic metabolism or decreased energy production. The peripheral adaptation from specific and intense training may further improve endurance performance.