Associations between Vpeak, vLT and 10-km running performance in recreational runners

Abstract

The main aim of the present study was to verify which variable, between peak running velocity (Vpeak) and the velocity at lactate threshold (vLT), better correlates with 10-km running performance. The second aim was to demonstrate the association between these two variables (Vpeak and vLT). Seventeen male, recreational, endurance-trained runners perfomed three tests: incremental exercise test to determine Vpeak and other for vLT determination by maximal deviation method (Dmax), and 10-km running performance. Incremental tests were performed on the treadmill and the 10-km running test on the outdoor track. Incremental tests started with a velocity of 8 km·h−1, which increased by 1 km·h−1 between each successive 3-min stage until exhaustion. For vLT determination it was required pauses for blood samples collection. It was found that both Vpeak and vLT were highly correlated with 10-km mean velocity (MV10-km) (r = 0.92 and 0.81, respectively). It was found a high association between Vpeak and vLT (r = 0.91). Both Vpeak and vLT were highly associated with MV10-km, in which Vpeak better correlates with performance. In addition, Vpeak and vLT were highly related to each other. In practical application, coaches and runners should use both Vpeak and vLT as parameters to prescribe and monitor running training to provide valuable information on the progress of training and its control.