Can the talk test be used to predict training induced changes in ventilatory threshold?

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the ability of the Talk Test (TT) to track training-related changes in ventilatory threshold (VT). Thirteen recreational athletes (20.5±1.91 years, males=7) completed two incremental exercise tests (one with respiratory gas exchange and one with the TT) before and after six weeks of self-directed increases in training load. The TT was used to predict VT by assessing the ability to speak comfortably after three-minute exercise stages, based on speech comfort while reciting a 100-word passage. Training load was documented from exercise logs based on session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and training duration. Repeated measures ANOVA, with the Tukey’s post-hoc analysis, was used to detect differences between the changes in power output (PO) at the equivocal stage of the Talk Test (EQ) and VT measured by gas exchange (p<.05). Significant mean differences were found between pre- vs. post-training PO and measured VT (116+32.4 vs. 134+32.4 Watts) (p<.05) but not at the EQ stage of the TT (125+40.8 vs. 135+29.8 Watts). The increase in PO at VT (+15.5%) was significantly underestimated by the change in PO at the EQ stage of the TT (+8.0%). The correlation between changes in PO at VT and PO at the EQ stage of the TT was r=0.66, p<.01. However, about 50% of participants did not change their PO at the EQ stage of the TT, so the individual correspondence between TT and measured VT was only moderately strong.