A Single Test for the Determination of Critical Velocity

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine if a single test is accurate in determining the parameters of the velocity: time-to-fatigue relationship. METHODS: Eleven healthy subjects completed an incremental max test followed by four constant-velocity runs on a treadmill for the determination of critical velocity (CV) and finite work capacity (W`), as well as an all-out 3-minute test on a track for the determination of end-test velocity (EV) and the distance above end-test velocity (DEV). Eight of the eleven subjects completed a second 3-minute test and one run each at (+) and (-) 95% confidence interval velocities of CV determined from the 1/time model. RESULTS: The group mean 1/time model CV (12.8 ± 2.5 km·h-1) was significantly greater than the velocity-time model CV (12.3 ± 2.4 km·h-1; P < 0.05), while the velocity-time model W` (285 ± 106 m) was greater than the 1/time model W` (220 ± 112 m; P < 0.001). EV (13.0 ± 2.7 km·h-1) and DEV (151 ± 45 m) were not significantly different than the 1/time model CV and W`, respectively. EV was greater than the velocity-time model CV (P < 0.05) and the DEV was significantly less than the velocity-time model W` (P = 0.002). No difference was found for EV and DEV between the two 3-minute tests (P > 0.05). For the CV (-) 95% run, all subjects reached a steady-state in VO2, and completed 900 s of exercise. However, for the CV (+) 95% run, VO2 never reached a steady-state, but increased until termination of exercise at 643 ± 213 s. CONCLUSION: CV can be accurately determined using a single 3-minute test, while W` is underestimated with this protocol.