Heart Rate Deflection Point Research Articles

Rebuttal from Drs. Warburton and Gledhill

Rebuttal from Drs. Warburton and Gledhill

Validity of the Modified Conconi Running Test

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of a fast ramp treadmill protocol for determination of the heart rate deflection point (HR (dp)) and speed of deflection (S (dp)) in trained runners. Fifty-one trained male runners performed a standard (T (stand); speed increase 1 km . h (-1) every 60 s) and a fast (T (fast); speed increase 1 km . h (-1) every 30 s) incremental treadmill test until volitional exhaustion. Heart rate was continuously recorded, and the HR (dp) was estimated after data averaging as the point of deflection in the linear speed/HR relationship. The HR (dp) and S (dp) recorded in T (fast) were compared with the corresponding values obtained in T (stand) by examining the Student's T-test, correlation coefficient (r), and limits of agreement (LoA). The HR (dp) recorded during standard and fast treadmill protocol were highly correlated (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) and similar to each other (p = 0.79). In contrast, S (dp) was highly correlated (r = 0.91, p < 0.001), but increased significantly with the faster ramp function (p < 0.001). No evidence of systematic bias was evident in the HR (dp) (95 % LoA of 0.2 +/- 7.3 bpm), while a uniform, systematic bias was evident for S (dp) in the T (fast) (95 % LoA of 1.6 +/- 1.5 km x h (-1)). We conclude that a fast ramp treadmill protocol (speed increase 1 km x h (-1) every 30 s) may be used for determination of the HR (dp) in trained runners, while S (dp) is protocol dependent and caution is warranted regarding its practical applicability.

Heart-Rate Deflection Point and the Second Heart-Rate Variability Threshold during Running Exercise in Trained Boys

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the accuracy of the heart-rate (HR) deflection point (HRDP) and the second HR variability threshold (HRVTh2) to predict anaerobic threshold in boys. HRDP was determined from slope trends of successive linear regressions. HRVTh2 was determined from the high frequency's peak and power-density trends. The second ventilatory threshold (VTh2) corresponding to the first decrease in PETCO2, with an increase in VE /VCO2, was used as the reference measure of AnT. Results show that VO2 and HR were similar at HRDP, HRVTh2, and VTh2. HRVTh2 and HRDP were highly correlated. It appears that HRVTh2 is a good alternative to HRDP for assessing anaerobic threshold. HRVTh2 and HRDP might rely on similar mechanisms.

Utility of the Conconi's Heart Rate Deflection to Monitor the Intensity of Aerobic Training

The Conconi's heart-rate deflection point (HRd) in the heart rate (HR)/speed curve is often used to set aerobic training loads. Training could either be set in percentage running speed or HR at HRd. In order to establish the limits and usefulness of various aerobic-training modalities for intermediate athletic level (physical-education students), acute responses were analyzed while running for a typical 40-minute training session. Speed, HR, lactate, and cortisol were thus recorded during training at 90 and 100% of running speed (RS: n = 14) and HR (HR: n = 16) at HRd (90% running speed [RS90], 100% running speed [RS100], 90% HR [HR90], and 100% HR [HR100]). During constant HR training, RS decreases while HR drifts upward during constant RS training. Half of the subjects can not finish the 40-minute RS100 session. For HR90, RS90, HR100, and RS100, average intensities are 67, 69, 74.9, and 77% maximal aerobic speed (multistage test), respectively. This study indicates that (1) training at HR100 and RS100 is more appropriate to improve high-intensity metabolic capacities (increased cortisol and lactate) while RS100 is too difficult to be maintained for 40 minutes for subjects at that level at least, (2) training at HR90, however, is better to improve endurance and capacity to do a large amount of work considering cortisol and lactate homeostasis, and (3) training at a constant HR using a HR monitor is a good method to control the intensity of the training with subjects not used to pacing themselves with the split-time approach.

Relationship between laboratory-measured variables and heart rate during an ultra-endurance triathlon

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the performance heart rate during an ultra-endurance triathlon and the heart rate corresponding to several demarcation points measured during laboratory-based progressive cycle ergometry and treadmill running. Less than one month before an ultra-endurance triathlon, 21 well-trained ultra-endurance triathletes (mean ± s: age 35 ± 6 years, height 1.77 ± 0.05 m, mass 74.0 ± 6.9 kg, = 4.75 ± 0.42 l · min−1) performed progressive exercise tests of cycle ergometry and treadmill running for the determination of peak oxygen uptake ( ), heart rate corresponding to the first and second ventilatory thresholds, as well as the heart rate deflection point. Portable telemetry units recorded heart rate at 60 s increments throughout the ultra-endurance triathlon. Heart rate during the cycle and run phases of the ultra-endurance triathlon (148 ± 9 and 143 ± 13 beats · min−1 respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05) less than the second ventilatory thresholds (160 ± 13 and 165 ± 14 beats · min−1 respectively) and heart rate deflection points (170 ± 13 and 179 ± 9 beats · min−1 respectively). However, mean heart rate during the cycle and run phases of the ultra-endurance triathlon were significantly related to (r = 0.76 and 0.66; P < 0.01), and not significantly different from, the first ventilatory thresholds (146 ± 12 and 148 ± 15 beats · min−1 respectively). Furthermore, the difference between heart rate during the cycle phase of the ultra-endurance triathlon and heart rate at the first ventilatory threshold was related to marathon run time (r = 0.61; P < 0.01) and overall ultra-endurance triathlon time (r = 0.45; P < 0.05). The results suggest that triathletes perform the cycle and run phases of the ultra-endurance triathlon at an exercise intensity near their first ventilatory threshold.

Protocol for the Conconi Test and Determination of the Heart Rate Deflection Point

Recently Ozcelik and Kelestimur (2004) have assessed the validity of the heart rate deflection point in the power output-heart rate relationship (Conconi test) for estimating the anaerobic threshold in different experimental conditions (normoxia and hypoxia). In their study, the tests were performed with an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer at constant cadence with increments in power output obtained by increasing the pedalling resistance.

Heart rate deflection point as a strategy to defend stroke volume during incremental exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the heart rate (HR) deflection point (HRDP) in the HR-power relationship is concomitant with the maximal stroke volume (SV(max)) value achievement in endurance-trained subjects. Twenty-two international male cyclists (30.3 +/- 7.3 yr, 179.7 +/- 7.2 cm, 71.3 +/- 5.5 kg) undertook a graded cycling exercise (50 W every 3 min) in the upright position. Thoracic impedance was used to measure continuously the HR and stroke volume (SV) values. The HRDP was estimated by the third-order curvilinear regression method. As a result, 72.7% of the subjects (HRDP group, n = 16) presented a break point in their HR-work rate curve at 89.9 +/- 2.8% of their maximal HR value. The SV value increased until 78.0 +/- 9.3% of the power associated with maximal O(2) uptake (Vo(2 max)) in the HRDP group, whereas it increased until 94.4 +/- 8.6% of the power associated with Vo(2 max) in six other subjects (no-HRDP group, P = 0.004). Neither SV(max) (ml/beat or ml.beat(-1).m(-2)) nor Vo(2 max) (ml/min or ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) were different between both groups. However, SV significantly decreased before exhaustion in the HRDP group (153 +/- 44 vs. 144 +/- 40 ml/beat, P = 0.005). In the HRDP group, 62% of the variance in the power associated with the SV(max) could also be predicted by the power output at which HRDP appeared. In conclusion, in well-trained subjects, the power associated with the SV(max)-HRDP relationship supposed that the HR deflection coincided with the optimal cardiac work for which SV(max) was attained.

Validity of the Heart Rate Deflection Point As a Predictor of Lactate Threshold Concepts During Cycling

Validity of the Heart Rate Deflection Point As a Predictor of Lactate Threshold Concepts During Cycling

Effects of Acute Hypoxia on the Determination of Anaerobic Threshold Using the Heart Rate-Work Rate Relationships during Incremental Exercise Tests.

Anaerobic threshold which describes the onset of systematic increase in blood lactate concentration is a widely used concept in clinical and sports medicine. A deflection point between heart rate-work rate has been introduced to determine the anaerobic threshold non-invasively. However, some researchers have consistently reported a heart rate deflection at higher work rates, while others have not. The present study was designed to investigate whether the heart rate deflection point accurately predicts the anaerobic threshold under the condition of acute hypoxia. Eight untrained males performed two incremental exercise tests using an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer: one breathing room air and one breathing 12 % O2. The anaerobic threshold was estimated using the V-slope method and determined from the increase in blood lactate and the decrease in standard bicarbonate concentration. This threshold was also estimated by in the heart rate-work rate relationship. Not all subjects exhibited a heart rate deflection. Only two subjects in the control and four subjects in the hypoxia groups showed a heart rate deflection. Additionally, the heart rate deflection point overestimated the anaerobic threshold. In conclusion, the heart rate deflection point was not an accurate predictor of anaerobic threshold and acute hypoxia did not systematically affect the heart rate-work rate relationships.

The Relationship of the Heart Rate Deflection Point to the Ventilatory Threshold in Trained Cyclists

The Relationship of the Heart Rate Deflection Point to the Ventilatory Threshold in Trained Cyclists

Lactic acidosis, potassium, and the heart rate deflection point in professional road cyclists

Objective: To determine the influence of lactic acidosis, the Bohr effect, and exercise induced hyperkalaemia on the occurrence of the heart rate deflection point (HRDP) in elite (professional) cyclists. Methods:...

The Relationship of the Heart Rate Deflection Point to the Ventilatory Threshold in Trained Cyclists

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of the heart rate deflection point (HRDP) to the ventilatory threshold (VT) in trained cyclists. Twenty-one endurance-trained cyclists (mean +/- SD: Vo(2)max = 67.6 +/- 4.7 ml x kg x min(-1)) completed a maximal cycle ergometer test of volitional fatigue using a ramped protocol. Ventilatory variables (Ve, Vo(2), Vco(2)) and power were measured online with averages reported every 20 seconds. Heart rate (HR) was recorded every 20 seconds using a Polar monitor. VT was calculated using the excess CO(2) elimination curve. The first derivative of a logistic growth curve fit to the HR-power data produced the HRDP. No significant differences (p > 0.01) existed between HR values at HRDP (171.7 +/- 9.6 b x min(-1)) and VT (169.8 +/- 9.9 b x min(-1)) or between Vo(2) values at HRDP (53.6 +/- 4.2 ml x kg x min(-1)) and VT (52.2 +/- 4.8 ml x kg x min(-1)). But power values at HRDP (318.7 +/- 30.7 W) were significantly different (p < 0.01) from those at VT (334.8 +/- 36.7 W). There were significant relationships between HRDP and VT for the physiological variables of HR (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), Vo(2) (r = 0.72, p < 0.001), and power (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that HR and Vo(2) at HRDP are not significantly different from the values at VT in trained cyclists. HR values derived from HRDP may be used to set parameters for training intensity. Variability in the speed/power-HRDP relationship across detrained/trained states may be used to evaluate training programs.

A review of the concept of the heart rate deflection point.

The heart rate deflection point (HRDP) is a downward or upward change from the linear HR-work relationship evinced during progressive incremental exercise testing. The HRDP is reported to be coincident with the anaerobic threshold. In 1982, Conconi and colleagues suggested that this phenomenon could be used as a noninvasive method to assess the anaerobic threshold. These researchers developed a field test to assess the HRDP, which has become popularised as the 'Conconi test'. Concepts used to define and assess the anaerobic threshold as well as methodological procedures used to determine the HRDP are diverse in the literature and have contributed to controversy surrounding the HRDP concept. Although the HRDP may be assessed in either field or laboratory settings, the degree of HR deflection is highly dependent upon the type of protocol used. The validity of HRDP to assess the anaerobic threshold is uncertain, although a high degree of relationship exists between HRDP and the second lactate turnpoint. The HRDP appears to be reliable when a positive identification is made; however, not all studies report 100% reproducibility. Although the physiological mechanisms explaining the HRDP are unresolved, a relationship exists between the degree and direction of HRDP and left ventricular function. The HRDP has potential to be used for training regulation purposes. Clinically, it may be incorporated to set exercise intensity parameters for cardiac rehabilitation.

Heart dimensions may influence the occurrence of the heart rate deflection point in highly trained cyclists.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the heart rate (HR) response to exercise in 21 highly trained cyclists (mean (SD) age 25 (3) years) was related to their heart dimensions. METHODS: Before...

Validity of the heart rate deflection point as a predictor of lactate threshold during running.

During an incremental run test, some researchers consistently observe a heart rate (HR) deflection at higher speeds, but others do not. The present study was designed to investigate whether differences in test protocols could explain the discrepancy. Additionally, we sought to determine whether the HR deflection point accurately predicts lactate threshold (LT). Eight trained runners performed four tests each: 1) a treadmill test for maximal O(2) uptake, 2) a Conconi test on a 400-m track with speeds increasing approximately 0.5 km/h every 200 m, 3) a continuous treadmill run with speeds increasing 0.5 km/h every minute, and 4) a continuous LT treadmill test in which 3-min stages were used. All subjects demonstrated an HR deflection on the track, but only one-half of the subjects showed an HR deflection on the treadmill. On the track the shortening of stages with increasing speeds contributed to a loss of linearity in the speed-HR relationship. Additionally, the HR deflection point overestimated the LT when a continuous treadmill LT protocol was used. In conclusion, the HR deflection point was not an accurate predictor of LT in the present study.

Validity of peak oxygen uptake calculations from heart rate deflection points.

Two graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer were examined in regard to their predictability of the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) based upon the deflection points (Dp) in the heart rate curves. The "constant duration" test (DUR-test) was based upon data from a previous maximal test. The "constant distance" test (DIS-test) was based upon the subjects' body weight and fitness level. In both tests 29 male subjects, 25 to 35 years, pedalled until exhaustion and from these tests the Dp variables (heart rate, DpHR, and the workload, DpW) and the VO2peak were determined. The subjects also underwent the Astrand & Ryhming-test (A&R-test). Deflection points could be detected for 15 subjects (52%) in the DUR-test and for 18 subjects (62%) in the DIS-test. In 13 subjects a Dp in both tests could be determined with a test-retest correlation coefficient of r = 0.66 for the DpHR and r = 0.79 for the DpW. Multiple regression analysis yielded the following equations: VO2peak = 7.7538 + 0.0199 DpW-0.0506 DpHR (n = 15; r = 0.87; SEE = 0.291.min-1) for the DUR-test and VO2peak = 5.8673 + 0.0200 DpW -0.0354 DpHR (n = 18; r = 0.88; SEE = 0.401.min-1) for the DIS-test. Compared to the measured VO2peak of the DUR-test and the DIS-test, the calculated VO2peak from the A&R-test has a correlation coefficient of r = 0.74 and r = 0.77 with a SEE of 0.57 (13.3%) and 0.55 (12.7%) l.min-1, it was concluded that, when a deflection point in the W-HR curve is found, the VO2peak can be calculated more accurately with the developed regression equations in this study than with the A&R-test. However, since the graded exercise cycle tests presented in this paper are only reliable in 33 of the 58 cases, they are useless for evaluating the VO2peak in a practicle sense, especially when no previous information about the appearance of a Dp is available.

OBJECTIVE METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF THE CONCONI TEST AND PREDICTION OF 10K PERFORMANCE 1126

Analysis of the Conconi test has been subjective in past research causing an inability to determine heart rate deflection point (HRd). This study presents an objective mathematical model (MM) based on a logistics growth function curve which predicts 10k performance from HRd velocity. Seventeen trained runners performed a Conconi test 3-4 days prior to a 10k race. Subjects increased speed every 200 m, recording velocity and HR at each interval. Performance times were predicted using the MM. A correlational analysis indicated a highly significant relationship (r = 0.98) between MM predicted time and actual time. A t-test showed a significant difference between the predicted and actual times (p< 0.05). When split by ability(elite, n=12; non-elite n=5) there was no difference between predicted and actual times for elite runners (p> 0.01). Mean differences between MM and actual time were 0.125 and 2.576 min. for elite and non-elite respectively. Ventilatory threshold (VT) was determined by a progressive intensity treadmill protocol utilizing excess CO2 curves. Highly significant relationships were found between velocity at VT and HRd (r = 0.95), and predicted times from each method (r = 0.96). Predicted times were more highly correlated with the MM predicted HRd than velocity at VT, with r values of 0.98 and 0.96 respectively. These results suggest that an objective model of the Conconi test is a valid method of predicting 10k performance and is closely related to traditional laboratory measures.

Lack of reliability in Conconi's heart rate deflection point.

Conconi et al. (1982) reported the development of noninvasive field test for anaerobic threshold (AT) based upon an observed deviation from the linear heart rate (HR)--running velocity (RV) relationship at high RV (HRdev). While the validity of the Conconi test has been debated (Heck and Hollmann 1992; Tokmakidis and Leger 1992), the reliability of the Conconi test has never been independently assessed in athletes performing the protocol outlined by Conconi. This study evaluated the reliability of the Conconi test in 15 well-trained male distance runners (22.5 +/- 3.3 yrs, 67.7 +/- 4.8 kg, VO2 peak 66.4 +/- 4.8 ml.kg-1.min-1) who performed a treadmill simulation of the Conconi test protocol twice within a 4-8 day period. The results were as follows: 6 subjects demonstrated HRdev in both Conconi tests, 5 subjects demonstrated HRdev in only one test, and in 4 subjects HRdev could not be discerned in either test. It was concluded that failure to determine a reproducible HRdev by subjective assessment in 9 of 15 subjects makes the Conconi test unsuitable for reliable evaluation of AT.

Limitations to the prediction of maximum oxygen intake from cardiac frequency measurements.

Limitations to the prediction of maximum oxygen intake from cardiac frequency measurements.