submaksimaal

Submaksimaal refers to an effort level that is below the maximum possible intensity. In the context of exercise physiology and sports science, it describes a type of training or testing that is not performed at an individual's absolute peak. This means the person is working hard but has the capacity to exert more effort if they were to push to their limit.

Submaksimaal testing is often used to assess aerobic capacity or endurance without unduly stressing the individual. Examples include submaximal treadmill tests like the Bruce protocol or the YMCA cycle ergometer test, where heart rate and perceived exertion are monitored at several steady-state stages. The data collected from these stages is then extrapolated to estimate the individual's maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

Similarly, submaximal training involves exercising at an intensity that is sustainable for longer durations and is less demanding than maximal effort training. This approach is beneficial for improving cardiovascular fitness, increasing endurance, and promoting recovery, particularly for individuals who are new to exercise, recovering from injury, or engaging in endurance events where sustained effort is paramount. It allows for progressive overload and adaptation without the significant fatigue and risk associated with maximal exertion. The term emphasizes working within a high, but not the highest, range of one's physiological capacity.