A new energetics model for the assessment of the power-duration relationship during over-ground running. Issue 8 (3rd August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vassallo, Christian; Kilduff, Liam P.; Cummins, Cloe; Murphy, Aron; Gray, Adrian; Waldron, Mark
• Is Part Of: European journal of sport science. Volume 22:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1211
• Page End: 1221
• Publication Date: 2022-08-03
• Subjects: Critical power -- critical speed -- energetics -- endurance; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1931463
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-1391

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the reliability of an over-ground running three-minute all-out test (3MT) and compared this to traditional multiple-visit testing to determine the critical speed (CS) and distance > CS ( D ´). Using a novel energetics model during the 3MT, critical power (CP) and work > CP ( W´ ) were also evaluated for reliability and compared to the multiple-visit tests. Over-ground running speed was measured using Global Positioning Systems during fixed-speed trials on a 400 m track to exhaustion, at four intensities corresponding to: (i) maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 m a x ) (Vmax ), (ii) 110% V ˙ O 2 m a x ( 110 % V m a x ), (iii) Δ70% (i.e. 70% of the difference between gas exchange threshold and Vmax ) and (iv) Δ85%. The participants subsequently performed the 3MT across two days to determine its reliability. There were no differences between the multiple-visit testing and the 3MT for CS ( P = 0.328) and D ´ ( P = 0.919); however, CP ( P = 0.02) and W´ ( P < 0.001) were higher in the 3MT. The reliability of the 3MT was stable ( P > 0.05) between trials for all variables, with coefficient of variation ranging from 2.0–8.1%. The current over-ground energetics model can reliably estimate CP and W´ based on GPS speed data during the 3MT, which supports its use for most athletic training and monitoring purposes. The reliability of the over-ground running 3MT for power- and speed-related indices was sufficient to detect typical training adaptations; however, it may overestimate CP (∼ 25 W) and W´ (∼ 7 kJ) compared to multiple-visit tests.