3-min All-out Test Research Articles

Applications of the 3-Min All-Out Exercise Test for Prescribing High-Intensity Interval Training: A Narrative Review on a Decade of Research Progress

ABSTRACT The 3-minute all-out exercise test (3MT) was developed over a decade ago and enables the estimation of time for onset of momentary fatigue for a given speed or power output exceeding critical speed (CS) or critical power (CP), respectively. The 3MT has been validated for conducting high-intensity interval training, used with load carriage prediction and prescription, and validated for shuttle running. These prescriptions are novel because they allow for standardizing exercise intensities relative to metabolic parameters as opposed to a percentage of a given maximum or reserve. Research was identified using leading search engines (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate) and citations to similar articles. The objective of this review article was to summarize research that emerged on the CS/CP concept with emphasis on applications since the advent of the 3MT. The review concludes with application of the CS/CP concept to the frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise for exercise prescription.

Acute alcohol ingestion decreases the work done above the end-test power during a 3-min all-out cycling exercise.

Alcohol ingestion influences metabolism during a subsequent exercise session, as evidenced by increased blood lactate concentration during fixed-intensity exercise. Therefore, augmented blood concentrations of alcohol may interfere with the anaerobic metabolism during high-intensity, short-duration exercise bout, thereby leading to impaired athletic performance. This study investigated whether the acute ingestion of alcohol as ethanol modulates performance parameters derived from the power-duration relationship in a 3-min all-out cycling test that allows for identifying the power output related to heavy and severe exercise intensities. Twenty-four recreationally active cyclists (16 men and 8 women) ingested a beverage containing either 0.4g ethanol.kg-1 body mass (EtOH) or a placebo (PLA) solution. Thirty minutes following ingestion, they completed a 3-min all-out test to measure power output and determine the end-test power (EP) and the work done above EP (WEP). Alcohol ingestion decreased WEP by 16% (EtOH: 5.6 ± 2.5kJ vs. PLA: 6.7 ± 2.4kJ; P = .003) but did not change EP (EtOH: 211 ± 44W vs. PLA: 212 ± 44W; P = .671). The alcohol-mediated effect in WEP was not influenced when controlling for participants' sex or accuracy in identifying the beverage ingested. Our data indicate that alcohol ingestion impaired the anaerobic work capacity, as evidenced by the reduction in WEP during the 3-min all-out test. Moreover, the ability to exercise at an intensity above the heavy domain may be decreased after ingestion of a moderate alcohol dose.

3-min All-out Test to Evaluate Aerobic and Anaerobic Indexes in Court Team Sports.

This study aimed to test the reproducibility of the 3-min all-out effort applied using shuttle running and compare its values to aerobic parameters. On the first day, 14 futsal players underwent an exhaustive test to determine the maximal incremental speed (MIS) and anaerobic threshold (AnT). On the second day, the participants performed the 3-min all-out effort (n=14), which was repeated after 48 h (third day) to test its reproducibility (n=11). Peak oxygen consumption (V̇ O2PEAK) and peak blood lactate concentrations ([La-]) were determined from 3-min all-out efforts performed through a 20-m shuttle run on the official court. The distance covered, mean speed, and critical speed (CS) during the 3-min all-out presented direct relationships with aerobic parameters determined through the incremental test (r>0.62). The distance covered above CS (D') presented a direct relationship with peak lactate concentrations induced by a 3-min all-out effort (r=0.81). Despite the acceptable levels of reproducibility observed for most of the 3-min all-out variables, the minimal detectable change for D' was high (72%). Our results demonstrated the potential use of mean speed to evaluate aerobic fitness. However, the applicability of the 3-min all-out shuttle run test to monitor training adaptations should be avoided, at least in nonexperienced athletes.

Does Power Output at Critical Power Intensity Interchange between Cycling and Running?

The differences in power meters and gestures between cycling and running can have an impact on determining Critical Power (CP) intensity in each sport. CP is a concept that has been extensively researched in cycling, but with the advent of power measurement in running, it can now be examined in that discipline as well. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether power output at CP intensity is interchangeable between cycling and running segments measured with their respective discipline-specific power meters. A group of 18 trained triathletes (age 33.0 ± 11.1 years, height 1.75 ± 0.06 m, body mass 71.2 ± 7.1 kg) performed a CP test in cycling (3-min All-Out Test) and running (9/3-min Stryd CP Test). The main results of the present study showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between CP in cycling and running. The running CP (301.8 W ± 41.5 W) was 20.2% overestimated compared with the cycling CP (251.1 W ± 37.0 W). Cycling power only explained 26.7% of the running power (R2 = 0.267; p = 0.284). Therefore, power would not be interchangeable between the cycling and running disciplines at CP intensity. In conclusion, it would be necessary to carry out a specific test for each discipline to be able to make a correct determination of CP.

The Effects of Two Weeks of Oral PeakATP® Supplementation on Performance during a Three-Minute All out Test

Exogenous ATP has been shown to increase total weight lifted during resistance training interventions and attenuate fatigue during repeated Wingate assessments. However, the influence of exogenous ATP on single bout maximal effort performance has yet to be examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PeakATP® supplementation on performance during a 3-min all-out test (3MT). Twenty adults (22.3 ± 4.4 years, 169.9 ± 9.5 cm, 78.7 ± 14.6 kg) completed two identical 3MT protocols in a double-blind, counter-balanced, crossover design. Participants were randomized to either PeakATP® (400 mg·day-1) or placebo (PLA) treatments and consumed their assigned supplement for 14 days and ingested an acute dose 30 min before each 3MT. A 14-day wash-out period was completed between each supplementation period and subsequent 3MT. Peak power, time to peak power, work above end power, end power, and fatigue index were assessed during each 3MT. Dependent t-tests and Hedge's g effect sizes were used to assess differences between treatments. No significant differences were observed between treatments for 3MT performance (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that 3MT performance was not significantly impacted by PeakATP® supplementation. This may be due in part to the continuous nature of the 3MT as disodium ATP has been shown to be beneficial for repeated bout activities.

Correction: Application of the Force-velocity-power Concept to the 3-Min all-out Running Test.

Correction: Application of the Force-velocity-power Concept to the 3-Min all-out Running Test.

Accounting for Dynamic Changes in the Power-Duration Relationship Improves the Accuracy of W' Balance Modeling.

This study aimed 1) to examine the accuracy with which W' reconstitution (W' REC ) is estimated by the W' balance (W' BAL ) models after a 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT), 2) to determine the effects of a 3MT on the power-duration relationship, and 3) to assess whether accounting for changes in the power-duration relationship during exercise improved estimates of W' REC . The power-duration relationship and the actual and estimated W' REC were determined for 12 data sets extracted from our laboratory database where participants had completed two 3MT separated by 1-min recovery (i.e., control [C-3MT] and fatigued [F-3MT]). Actual W' REC (6.3 ± 1.4 kJ) was significantly overestimated by the W' BAL·ODE (9.8 ± 1.3 kJ; P < 0.001) and the W' BAL·MORTON (16.9 ± 2.6 kJ; P < 0.001) models but was not significantly different to the estimate provided by the W' BAL·INT (7.5 ± 1.5 kJ; P > 0.05) model. End power (EP) was 7% lower in the F-3MT (263 ± 40 W) compared with the C-3MT (282 ± 44 W; P < 0.001), and work done above EP (WEP) was 61% lower in the F-3MT (6.3 ± 1.4 kJ) compared with the C-3MT (16.9 ± 3.2 kJ). The size of the error in the estimated W' REC was correlated with the reduction in WEP for the W' BAL·INT and W' BAL·ODE models (both r > -0.74, P < 0.01) but not the W' BAL·MORTON model ( r = -0.18, P > 0.05). Accounting for the changes in the power-duration relationship improved the accuracy of the W' BAL·ODE and W' BAL·MORTON , but they remained significantly different to actual W' REC . These findings demonstrate that the power-duration relationship is altered after a 3MT, and accounting for these changes improves the accuracy of the W' BAL·ODE and the W' BAL·MORTON , but not W' BAL·INT models. These results have important implications for the design and use of mathematical models describing the energetics of exercise performance.

The Effects Of Self-control Exertion On The 3-min All-out Cycling Test

The Effects Of Self-control Exertion On The 3-min All-out Cycling Test

Application of the Force-velocity-power Concept to the 3-min all-out Running Test.

Force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling offers insights related to key factors that may enhance or hinder sprinting performances. Whether the same FVP principles could be applied to the sprinting portion of the 3-minute all-out test for running (3MT) has not been previously investigated. Twenty moderately trained participants volunteered for the study (age: 24.75 ± 3.58 yrs; height: 1.69±0.11 m; mass: 73.74±12.26 kg). After familiarization of all testing procedures, participants completed: (i) a 40-m all-out sprint test, and (ii) a 3MT. Theoretical maximal force and power, but not velocity, were significantly higher for the 40-m sprint test. Most FVP variables from the two tests were weakly to moderately correlated, with the exception of maximal velocity. Finally, maximal velocity and relative peak power were predictive of D', explaining approximately 51% of the variance in D'. Although similar maximal velocities are attained during both the 40-m sprint and the 3MT, the underlying mechanisms are markedly different. The FVP parameters obtained from either test are likely not interchangeable but do provide valuable insights regarding the potential mechanisms by which D' may be improved.

Angular Kinematics and Critical Power of Younger and Older Cyclists during the 3-Min All-Out Test

This study aimed to determine differences in angular kinematics and critical power between younger and older cyclists during the 3-min all-out test. Younger (n = 15, 21.8 ± 2.4y) and older (n = 15, 53.3 ± 6.6 y) Category 1 or 2 riders completed maximal aerobic testing and a 3-min all-out test on separate days using their own bicycle on a cycle ergometer. Eight retroreflective markers determined right side sagittal plane angular kinematics during the 3-min all-out test. Younger cyclists displayed higher VO2max, VO2 @ VEbp, HRmax, Power @ VO2max and Critical Power (p &lt; 0.05) than older cyclists. Cadence decreased over time for the combined group (time 1 (T1) = 87.3 ± 4.5 rpm, time 2 (T2) = 83.7 ± 4.6 rpm, and time 3 (T3) = 83.6 ± 5.0 rpm) where T1 was significantly higher than T2 and T3 (p &lt; 0.001), but there were no differences between age groups. Ankle (T1 &gt; T2 &gt; T3, p &lt; 0.026) and foot ranges of motion (T1, T2 &gt; T3, p &lt; 0.01) decreased over time for both age groups. Additionally, younger cyclists had larger ankle and foot ranges of motion (ROM) compared to older cyclists (p = 0.036 and p = 0.032, respectively). Age related differences in physiological measures occurred as expected, although the skill level of the cyclists may explain their similar cadence. Smaller ankle and foot ROM may be strategies to assist force and power generation, particularly in older cyclists as they attempt to overcome aging related physiological declines. With smaller ROM, older cyclists may aim to strengthen ankle musculature and deemphasize high cadence to maintain force generation and critical power.

Determination of Critical Power Using Different Possible Approaches among Endurance Athletes: A Review.

Critical power represents an important parameter of aerobic function and is the highest average effort that can be sustained for a period of time without fatigue. Critical power is determined mainly in the laboratory. Many different approaches have been applied in testing methods, and it is a difficult task to determine which testing protocol it the most suitable. This review aims to evaluate all possible tests on bicycle ergometers or bicycles used to estimate critical power and to compare them. A literature search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) published from 2012 to 2022 and followed the PRISMA guidelines to process the review. Twenty-one articles met the eligibility criteria: records with trained or experienced endurance athletes (adults > 18), bicycle ergometer, a description of the testing protocol, and comparison of the tests. We found that the most widely used tests were the 3-min all-out tests set in a linear mode and the traditional protocol time to exhaustion. Some other alternatives could have been used but were not as regular. To summarize, the testing methods offered two main approaches in the laboratory (time to exhaustion test andthe 3-min all-out test with different protocols) and approach in the field, which is not yet completely standardized.

Physiological and Anthropometric Differences Among Endurance, Strength, and High-Intensity Functional Training Participants: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Purpose: We compared aerobic capacity (), mitochondrial capacity (), anaerobic power, strength, and muscle endurance in healthy, active men from strength (STR), endurance (END) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) backgrounds.Methods:Twenty-four men (n = 8/group) completed a cycle ergometer test to determine , followed by a 3-min all-out test to determine peak (PP) and end power (EP), and to estimate anaerobic [work done above EP (WEP)] and aerobic work capacity. Strength was determined by knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction at various flexion angles. The endurance index (EI) of the vastus lateralis (VL) was assessed by measuring muscle contraction acceleration during electrical twitch mechanomyography. of the VL was assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate muscle oxygen consumption during transient femoral artery occlusions. Results: was significantly different among groups (p < .05). PP was significantly higher in HIFT and STR versus END (p < .05). EP was significantly higher in HIFT and END compared to STR (p < .05). WEP was significantly higher in STR compared to END (p < .05), whereas total work done was significantly higher in HIFT and END compared to STR (p < .05). and EI were comparable between HIFT and END but significantly lower in STR versus END (p < .05). Torque production was significantly lower in END compared to STR and HIFT at all flexion angles (p < .05), with no difference between STR and HIFT.Conclusion:HIFT participants can exert similar power outputs and absolute strength compared to strength focused participants but exhibit fatigue resistance and mitochondrial capacity comparable to those who train for endurance.

Repeatability and Variability of the 3-Min All-Out Test at the Subject Level

Repeatability and Variability of the 3-Min All-Out Test at the Subject Level

Lower-body muscular power and exercise tolerance predict susceptibility to enemy fire during a tactical combat movement simulation

This study examined if field-expedient physical fitness/performance assessments predicted performance during a simulated direct-fire engagement. Healthy subjects (n = 33, age = 25.7 ± 7.0 years) completed upper- and lower-body strength and power assessments and a 3-min all-out running test to determine critical velocity. Subjects completed a simulated direct-fire engagement that consisted of marksmanship with cognitive workload assessment and a fire-and-move drill (16 × 6-m sprints) while wearing a combat load. Susceptibility to enemy fire was modelled on average sprint duration during the fire-and-move drill. Stepwise linear regression identified predictors for the performance during the simulated direct-fire engagement. Critical velocity (β = −0.30, p < 0.01) and standing broad jump (β = −0.67, p < 0.001) predicted susceptibility to enemy fire (R 2 = 0.74, p < 0.001). All predictors demonstrated poor relationships with marksmanship accuracy and cognitive performance. These data demonstrate the importance of exercise tolerance and lower-body power during simulated direct-fire engagements and provide potential targets for interventions to monitor and enhance performance and support soldier survivability. Practitioner Summary: This study identified field-expedient physical fitness/performance predictors of a simulated direct-fire engagement which evaluated susceptibility to enemy fire, marksmanship, and cognitive performance. Our findings suggest that high-intensity exercise tolerance and lower-body power are key determinants of performance that predicted susceptibility to enemy fire.

The impact of elevated body core temperature on critical power as determined by a 3-min all-out test.

Critical power (CP) delineates the heavy and severe exercise intensity domains, and sustained work rates above CP result in an inexorable progression of oxygen uptake to a maximal value and, subsequently, the limit of exercise tolerance. The finite work capacity above CP, W', is defined by the curvature constant of the power-duration relationship. Heavy or severe exercise in a hot environment generates additional challenges related to the rise in body core temperature (Tc) that may impact CP and W'. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of elevated Tc on CP and W'. CP and W' were estimated by end-test power (EP; mean of final 30 s) and work above end-test power (WEP), respectively, from 3-min "all-out" tests performed on a cycle ergometer. Volunteers (n = 8, 4 female) performed the 3-min tests during a familiarization visit and two experimental visits (thermoneutral vs. hot, randomized crossover design). Before experimental 3-min tests, the subjects were immersed in water (thermoneutral: 36°C for 30 min; hot: 40.5°C until Tc was ≥38.5°C). Mean Tc was significantly greater in the hot condition than in the thermoneutral condition (38.5 ± 0.0°C vs. 37.4 ± 0.2°C; means ± SD, P < 0.01). All 3-min tests were performed in an environmental chamber [thermoneutral: 18°C, 45% relative humidity (RH); hot: 38 °C, 40% RH]. EP was similar between thermoneutral (239 ± 57 W) and hot (234 ± 66 W; P = 0.55) conditions. WEP was similar between thermoneutral (10.9 ± 3.0 kJ) and hot conditions (9.3 ± 3.6; P = 0.19). These results suggest that elevated Tc has no significant impact on EP or WEP.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The parameters of the power-duration relationship (critical power and W') estimated by a 3-min all-out test were not altered by elevated body core temperature as compared with a thermoneutral condition.

Determining Validity of Critical Power Estimated Using a Three-Minute All-Out Test in Hot Environments.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heat on the validity of end-test power (EP) derived from a 3-min all-out test (3MT), which is considered as an alternative method for determining the conventional critical power. Twelve male cyclists were required to perform incremental exercise tests (IET) and 3MTs in both high temperature (HT; 35 °C) and thermoneutral temperature (NT; 22 °C) environments. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2, respectively) against the power output (wVO2max, wVT1, and wVT2) were measured during IETs. EP was recorded during the 3MTs. A significant correlation was observed between wVT2 and EP under NT (r = 0.674, p < 0.05) and under HT (r = 0.672, p < 0.05). However, wVO2max, wVT1, wVT2, and EP were significantly higher in NT than in HT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although the physiological stress induced by HT might impair exercise performance, the EP derived from 3MT can validly estimate wVT2 under HT conditions.

Comparing critical speed modelling approaches and exploring relationships with match-play variables in elite male youth soccer players.

A novel bi-exponential method has emerged to estimate critical speed (CS) and D-prime (D') from a 3-min all-out test (3MT). To compare CS analysis methods to determine whether parameter estimations were interchangeable. Reference values and relationships with key soccer match-play variables were explored. Thirteen elite male youth (14-15 years old) players completed a 30 m shuttle run 3MT to estimate CS, D', rate of speed decline time constant, maximal speed (S max), time to S max (t max), and fatigue index (FI), using the traditional method and bi-exponential model on average (Bi-ExpAverage) and max speed settings (Bi-ExpMax-Speed). High-speed running (HSR) and sprinting distances and counts, and the number of accelerations were collected from two matches. Magnitude-based inferences (p < 0.05) with smallest worthwhile change of 0.2 effect sizes were used to analyse differences. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to measure associations between CS model variables and match-play parameters. There were significant differences between the traditional method and both bi-exponential models for CS and D', as well as between the bi-exponential models for all variables except t max. Using the Bi-ExpAverage model, strong correlations (r = 0.70-0.73; p < 0.05) were observed for D' and FI with the number of standardised and individualised HSRs, respectively. With the Bi-ExpMax-Speed model, there were strong correlations (r/ρ = 0.64-0.68; p < 0.05) between D' and the number of standardised HSRs and sprints, and the number of individualised sprints. There is a lack of interchangeability between analysis methods. It appears that D' and FI from the bi-exponential models could be associated with high-intensity actions in soccer match-play.

Critical oxygenation: Can muscle oxygenation inform us about critical power?

The power-duration relationship is well documented for athletic performance and is formulated out mathematically in the critical power (CP) model. The CP model, when applied properly, has great predictive power, e.g. pedaling at a specific power output on an ergometer the model precisely calculates the time over which an athlete can sustain this power. However, CP presents physiological inconsistencies and process-oriented problems. The rapid development of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure muscle oxygenation (SmO2) dynamics provides a physiological exploration of the CP model on a conceptual and empirical level. Conceptually, the CP model provides two components: first CP is defined as the highest metabolic rate that can be achieved through oxidative means. And second, work capacity above CP named W’. SmO2 presents a steady-state in oxygen supply and demand and thereby represents CP specifically at a local level of analysis. Empirically, exploratory data quickly illustrates the relationship between performance and SmO2, as shown during 3-min all-out cycling tests to assess CP. During these tests, performance and SmO2 essentially mirror each other, and both CP and W’ generate solid correlation with what would be deemed their SmO2 counterparts: first, the steady-state of SmO2 correlates with CP. And second, the tissue oxygen reserve represented in SmO2, when calculated as an integral corresponds to W’. While the empirical data presented is preliminary, the proposition of a concurring physiological model to the current CP model is a plausible inference. Here we propose that SmO2 steady-state representing CP as critical oxygenation or CO. And the tissue oxygen reserve above CO would then be identified as O’. This new CO model could fill in the physiological gap between the highly predictive CP model and at times its inability to track human physiology consistently. For simplicity's sake, this would include acute changes in physiology as a result of changing climate or elevation with travel, which can affect performance. These types of acute fluctuations, but not limited to, would be manageable when applying a CO model in conjunction with the CP model. Further, modeling is needed to investigate the true potential of NIRS to model CP, with a focus on repeatability, recovery, and systemic vs local workloads.

Effects of Prior Voluntary Hyperventilation on the 3-min All-Out Cycling Test in Men.

The ergogenic effects of respiratory alkalosis induced by prior voluntary hyperventilation (VH) are controversial. This study examined the effects of prior VH on derived parameters from the 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT). Eleven men ( = 46 ± 8 mL·kg-1·min-1) performed a 3MT preceded by 15 min of rest (CONT) or VH ( = 38 ± 5 L·min-1) with PETCO2 reduced to 21 ± 1 mm Hg (HYP). End-test power (EP; synonymous with critical power) was calculated as the mean power output over the last 30 s of the 3MT, and the work done above EP (WEP; synonymous with W') was calculated as the power-time integral above EP. At the start of the 3MT, capillary blood PCO2 and [H+] were lower in HYP (25.2 ± 3.0 mm Hg, 27.1 ± 2.6 nmol·L-1) than CONT (43.2 ± 2.0 mm Hg, 40.0 ± 1.5 nmol·L-1) (P < 0.001). At the end of the 3MT, blood PCO2 was still lower in HYP (35.7 ± 5.4 mm Hg) than CONT (40.6 ± 5.0 mm Hg) (P < 0.001). WEP was 10% higher in HYP (19.4 ± 7.0 kJ) than CONT (17.6 ± 6.4 kJ) (P = 0.006), whereas EP was 5% lower in HYP (246 ± 69 W) than CONT (260 ± 74 W) (P = 0.007). The ΔWEP (J·kg-1) between CONT and HYP correlated positively with the PCO2 immediately before the 3MT in HYP (r = 0.77, P = 0.006). These findings suggest that acid-base changes elicited by prior VH increase WEP but decrease EP during the all-out 3MT.

A 3-min All-out Upper-body Ergometer Test For Competitive Swimmers.

We examined the application of a land-based swimming ergometer 3-min all-out test to determine physiological predictors of swimming performance. Fourteen young elite swimmers participated (males: n=6; females: n=8). The swimmers completed two 3-min upper-body all-out tests on a swimming ergometer. Additionally, the swimmers completed freestyle swim races ranging from 50 m to 1500 m. High test-retest reproducibility (r=0.98 and coefficient of variation values <7.5%) was evident for ergometer derived peak, mean and critical power. Very strong correlations (r>0.87, p<0.001) were obtained between the 200-, 400-, 800- and 1500-m swimming performances and derived critical speed. Moreover, correlations were found between peak force and peak power and 50-m performance, in addition to critical power and performance for all distances. The critical speed was the dominant predictor of 200- to 1500-m performances (r=0.84-0.99). In conclusion, the land-based 3-min all-out swimming ergometer test is reliable and valid in predicting swimming performance in competitive swimmers and evaluates important physiological components in swimmers independent of technical abilities.