Why Does the Respiratory Rate Remain Elevated After Exercise?

The body's respiratory rate remains elevated following exercise, a phenomenon known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, or EPOC. EPOC occurs as the body works to return its systems to homeostasis, or the resting state that preceded exercise. The additional oxygen consumption is used to replenish energy stores, return oxygen and hormone levels in the bloodstream to normal, and restore body temperature, ventilation and heart rate. EPOC may last several minutes to up to 24 hours, depending on what type of exercise was performed 1.

Replenishing Energy Stores

Replenishing the body's energy stores requires the use of more energy. During EPOC, the body replaces creatine phosphate and adenosine triphospate, or ATP, fuels that are used in quick bursts of activity. It expends energy to convert the waste product lactic acid to pyruvate, a viable fuel source. In addition, glycogen stores within individual muscles are restocked.

Balancing Oxygen and Hormones in the Bloodstream

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Two changes occur in the bloodstream during exercise that require EPOC 2. The body draws upon oxygen in the blood for energy when working out. Therefore, following activity it must replenish these stores. Secondly, hormones that flood the bloodstream during exercise must be restored to normal levels.

Restoring Normal Body Temperature, Ventilation and Heart Rate

Heat is produced during exercise, which elevates the body's core temperature 2. In the period of EPOC, the body requires additional energy to activate its cooling systems. Ventilation and heart rate, which are both working overtime during EPOC to replenish energy stores and serve the needs of the bloodstream, require increased energy themselves. As the overall post-exercise system requirements are met, breathing and heart rates gradually return to normal 1.

Get the Most Out of EPOC

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EPOC is highest following certain types of physical activity. For someone who is trying to lose weight and decrease body fat percentage, a lengthier EPOC will be beneficial to reaching overall goals. Aerobic activity followed by resistance training in the same session has been found to have higher rates of EPOC than resistance training followed aerobics. High Intensity Interval Training, exercising in short bursts of intense activity, places increased demands on the body during EPOC. Supersetting, or performing weight training exercises back-to-back with minimal rest between sets, has also been shown to boost energy expenditure in EPOC.