This episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast explores the concepts of critical power and critical oxygenation. Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss the definition and measurement of critical power, including the limitations and variability of the measurement. We also introduce the concept of critical oxygenation and its relationship to critical power. The episode concludes with a discussion on the use of NIRS for measuring critical oxygen!

TAKEAWAYS
1) Critical power is a measurement that represents the maximal sustainable pace an individual can maintain for extended periods of time.

2) Critical oxygenation is a related concept that represents the maximal metabolic steady state of oxygen utilization in the muscles.

3) The measurement of critical power and critical oxygenation can be influenced by various factors, including individual variability and measurement techniques.

4) NIRS devices can be used to measure critical oxygenation, but proper placement and troubleshooting are important for accurate results.

5) Muscular limitation shift towards central limitations after training.

6) Embrace new technology with healthy skepticism.Enjoying these podcasts? Don't forget to subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released. If you have a question or topic you want us to address, leave a comment!Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2Interested in testing, courses, or other long form content check out the critical oxygen website - https://www.criticaloxygen.com

If you are interested in trying our a Moxy Monitor, my preferred NIRS device, you can get 5% off at checkout when using the code OXPO.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Overview
05:40 Definition of Critical Power
12:22 Limitations and Variability of Critical Power
30:45 Introduction to Critical Oxygen
39:17 Measurement of Critical Oxygen
44:01 Relationship between Critical Power and Critical Oxygen
51:40 Placement and Troubleshooting of NIRS Devices
52:33 Validation of Muscular Limitation
53:28 Limiter Assessment and Oxygen Delivery
54:22 Prescribing High-Intensity Interval Training
55:21 Critical Power and Performance
55:47 Translatability of Critical Power
56:16 Elusive O'W' and O'Prime
56:47 Physiological Resilience and W' Loss
57:40 Factors Affecting W' Loss
58:10 Glycogen Availability and Potassium Disbalance
59:07 Glycogen Depletion and Potassium Gradient
01:00:05 Burning Sensation and Fatigue
01:01:01 Challenging the Lactic Acid Theory
01:02:18 Embracing New Technology and Skepticism
01:04:27 The Future of Endurance Performance Measurements