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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 May;118(5):911-918.
doi: 10.1007/s00421-018-3814-2. Epub 2018 Feb 12.

Prescribing 6-weeks of running training using parameters from a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake protocol

James S Hogg  1 , James G Hopker  2 , Sarah L Coakley  3 , Alexis R Mauger  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Prescribing 6-weeks of running training using parameters from a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake protocol

James S Hogg et al. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2018 May.

Abstract

Purpose: The self-paced maximal oxygen uptake test (SPV) may offer effective training prescription metrics for athletes. This study aimed to examine whether SPV-derived data could be used for training prescription.

Methods: Twenty-four recreationally active male and female runners were randomly assigned between two training groups: (1) Standardised (STND) and (2) Self-Paced (S-P). Participants completed 4 running sessions a week using a global positioning system-enabled (GPS) watch: 2 × interval sessions; 1 × recovery run; and 1 × tempo run. STND had training prescribed via graded exercise test (GXT) data, whereas S-P had training prescribed via SPV data. In STND, intervals were prescribed as 6 × 60% of the time that velocity at [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) could be maintained (Tmax). In S-P, intervals were prescribed as 7 × 120 s at the mean velocity of rating of perceived exertion 20 (vRPE20). Both groups used 1:2 work:recovery ratio. Maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), [Formula: see text], Tmax, vRPE20, critical speed (CS), and lactate threshold (LT) were determined before and after the 6-week training.

Results: STND and S-P training significantly improved [Formula: see text] by 4 ± 8 and 6 ± 6%, CS by 7 ± 7 and 3 ± 3%; LT by 5 ± 4% and 7 ± 8%, respectively (all P < .05), with no differences observed between groups.

Conclusions: Novel metrics obtained from the SPV can offer similar training prescription and improvement in [Formula: see text], CS and LT compared to training derived from a traditional GXT.

Keywords: Critical speed; Endurance training; Lactate threshold; Recreational runners; Running performance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declares that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mean ± SD Differences in VO2max between the STND and S-P training groups before and after training
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mean ± SD Differences in the velocities vV˙O2max and vRPE20 for all participants for before and after training
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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