Peak velocity and its time limit are as good as the velocity associated with VO_2max for training prescription in runners

Abstract

This study compared the effects of 4 weeks of training prescribed by peak velocity (V_peak) or velocity associated with maximum oxygen uptake (vVO_2max) in moderately trained endurance runners. Study participants were 14 runners (18–35 years) randomized into 2 groups, named group VO₂ (GVO₂) and group V_peak (GVP). The GVO₂ had training prescribed by vVO_2max and its time limit (t_lim), whereas the GVP had training prescribed by V_peak and its t_lim. Four tests were performed on a treadmill: 2 maximum incremental for V_peak and vVO_2max and 2 for their t_lim. Performance (10 km) was evaluated on a 400 m track. Evaluations were repeated after 4 weeks of endurance training. The results showed a significant effect of training on V_peak [GVP (16.7±1.2–17.6±1.5 km^.h⁻¹), GVO₂ (17.1±1.9–17.7±1.6 km·h⁻¹)]; vVO_2max [GVP (16.4±1.4–17.0±1.3 km·h⁻¹), GVO₂ (17.2±1.7–17.5±1.9 km·h⁻¹)]; and 10 km performance [GVP (41.3±2.4–39.9±2.7 min), GVO₂ (40.1±3.4–39.2±2.9 min)]. The V_peak highly correlated with performance in both pre- and post-training in GVP (–0.97;–0.86) and GVO₂ (–0.95;–0.94), as well as with vVO_2max in GVP (–0.82;–0.88) and GVO₂ (–0.99; –0.98). It is concluded that training prescribed by V_peak promoted similar improvements compared to training prescribed by vVO_2max. The use of V_peak is recommended due to its practical application and the low cost of determination.

Key words

training programs - effort testing - athletic performance - running

• References

• 1 Bassett DR, Howley ET. Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and determinants of endurance performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000; 32: 70-84
• 2 Billat V, Flechet B, Petit B, Muriaux G, Koralsztein J. Interval training at VO2max: effects on aerobic performance and overtraining markers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31: 156-163
• 3 Billat V, Renoux JC, Pinoteau J, Petit B, Koralsztein JP. Reproducibility of running time to exhaustion at VO _2max in subelite runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1994; 26: 254-257
• 4 Billat VL, Hill DW, Pinoteau J, Petit B, Koralsztein JP. . Arch Physiol Biochem 1996; 104: 313-321
• 5 Billat VL, Slawinski J, Bocquet V, Demarle A, Lafitte L, Chassaing P, Koralsztein JP. Intermittent runs at the velocity associated with maximal oxygen uptake enables subjects to remain at maximal oxygen uptake for a longer time than intense but submaximal runs. Eur J Appl Physiol 2000; 81: 188-196
• 6 Borg GA. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1982; 14: 377-381
• 7 Borresen J, Lambert MI. Autonomic control of heart rate during and after exercise: measurements and implications for monitoring training status. Sports Med 2008; 38: 633-646
• 8 Bragada JA, Santos PJ, Maia JÁ, Colaço PJ, Lopes VP, Barbosa TM. Longitudinal study in 3000 m male runners: relationship between performance and selected physiological parameters. J Sports Sci Med 2010; 9: 439-444
• 9 Buchheit M, Chivot A, Parouty J, Mercier DAL, Haddad H, Laursen PB, Ahmaidi S. Monitoring endurance running performance using cardiac parasympathetic function. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 108: 1153-1167
• 10 Cruz R, Melo BP, Manoel FA, Castro PHC, Da Silva SF. Pacing strategy and heart rate on the influence of circadian rhythms. J Exerc Physiol Online 2013; 16: 24-31
• 11 da Silva DF, Simões HG, Machado FA. vVO_2max versus V_peak , what is the best predictor of running performances in middle-aged recreationally-trained runners?. Sci Sports 2015; 30: 85-92
• 12 Davison R, Van Someren KA, Jones AM. Physiological monitoring of the Olympic athlete. J Sports Sci 2009; 27: 1433-1442
• 13 Esfarjani F, Laursen PB. Manipulating high-intensity interval training: effects on VO _2max, the lactate threshold and 3000 m running performance in moderately trained males. J Sci Med Sport 2007; 10: 27-35
• 14 Fernandes RJ, Billat VL, Cruz AC, Colaco PJ, Cardoso CS, Vilas-Boas JP. Does net energy cost of swimming effect time to exhaustion at the individual’s maximal oxygen consumption velocity?. J Sport Med Phys Fit 2006; 46: 373-380
• 15 Harriss DJ, Atkinson G. Ethical standards in sport and exercise science research: 2016 update. Int J Sports Med 2015; 36: 1121-1124
• 16 Hautala AJ, Makikallio TH, Kiviniemi A, Laukkanen R, Nissila S, Huikuri HV, Tulppo MP. Cardiovascular autonomic function correlates with the response to aerobic training in healthy sedentary subjects. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 285: 1747-1752
• 17 Hill DW, Rowell AL. Running velocity at VO_2max . Med Sci Sport Exer 1996; 28: 114-119
• 18 Hopkins WG, Marshall SW, Batterham AM, Hanin J. Progressive statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009; 41: 3-13
• 19 Hugget DL, Connelly DM, Overend TJ. Maximal aerobic capacity testing of older adults: a critical review. Biol Sci Med Sci 2005; 60: 57-66
• 20 Jones AM, Carter H. The effect of endurance training on parameters of aerobic fitness. Sports Med 2000; 29: 373-386
• 21 Jones AM, Doust JH. A 1% treadmill grade most accurately reflects the energetic cost of outdoor running. J Sport Sci 1996; 14: 321-327
• 22 Kiviniemi AM, Hautala AJ, Kinnunen H, Tulppo MP. Endurance training guided individually by daily heart rate variability measurements. Eur J Appl Physiol 2007; 101: 743-751
• 23 Kuipers H, Rietjens G, Verstappen F. Effects of stage duration in incremental running tests on physiological variables. Int J Sports Med 2003; 24: 486-491
• 24 Laursen PB, Jenkins DJ. The scientific basis of high-intensity interval training: optimising training programmes and maximising performance in highly trained athletes. Sports Med 2002; 32: 53-73
• 25 Machado FA, Kravchychyn ACP, Peserico CS, da SIlva DF, Mezzaroba PV. Incremental test design, peak ‘aerobic’ running speed and endurance performance in runners. J Sci Med Sport 2013; 16: 577-582
• 26 Mclaughlin JE, Howley ET, Bassett JRDR, Thompson DL, Fitzhugh EC. Test of classic model for predicting endurance running performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010; 42: 991-997
• 27 Midgley AW, Mcnaughton LR, Jones AM. Training to enhance the physiological determinants of long-distance running performance. Sports Med 2007; 37: 857-880
• 28 Morgan DW, Baldini FD, Martin PE, Kohrt WM. Ten kilometer performance and predicted velocity at VO_2max among well-trained male runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1989; 21: 78-83
• 29 Nakamura FY, Moreira A, Aoki MS. Monitoring of training load: Is perception subjective session effort a reliable method?. Physical Education Journal of UEM 2010; 21: 1-11
• 30 Noakes TD, Myburgh KH, Schall R. Peak treadmill running velocity during the VO_2max test predicts running performance. J Sports Sci 1990; 8: 35-45
• 31 Ortiz MJ, Stella S, Mello MT, Denadai BS. Effects of high intensity aerobic training on the running economy in endurance runners. R bras Ci e Mov 2003; 11: 53-56
• 32 Peserico CS, Zagatto AM, Machado FA. Reliability of peak running speeds obtained from different incremental treadmill protocols. J Sports Sci 2014; 32: 993-1000
• 33 Saunders PU, Cox AJ, Hopkins WG, Pyne DB. Physiological measures tracking seasonal changes in peak running speed. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2010; 5: 230-238
• 34 Smith TP, Coombes JS, Geraghty DP. Optimising high-intensity treadmill training using the running speed at maximal O₂ uptake and the time for which this can be maintained. Eur J Appl Physiol 2003; 89: 337-343
• 35 Smith TP, Mcnaughton LR, Marshall KJ. Effects of 4-wk training using Vmax/Tmax on VO_2max and performance in athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31: 892-896
• 36 Stratton E, O'Brien BJ, Harvey J, Blitvich J, Mcnicol AJ, Janissen D, Paton C, Knez W. Treadmill velocity best predicts 5000-m run performance. Int J Sports Med 2009; 30: 40-45
• 37 Tanaka H, Monahan KD, Seals DR. Age-predicted maximal heart rate revisited. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001; 37: 153-156