3-min All-out Exercise Test for Running

Abstract

A 3-min all-out exercise test (3 MT) estimates critical power and the curvature constant for cycle ergometry validly; however, the mode of running has not been studied. We examined the efficacy of a running 3 MT, using global positioning sensor data, to predict outdoor racing performance. Women distance runners (n=14) were tested at preseason within a month prior to competing officially in either short or middle distance races. Critical speed (CS) (4.46±0.41 m/s) estimated from the 3 MT did not differ (p>0.05) from the mean speed of gas exchange threshold and maximum oxygen uptake (50%Δ), as derived from a custom treadmill graded exercise test (4.55±0.24 m/s). Runners with higher curvature constants (D'), estimated from the 3 MT, raced at higher speeds above CS (R2 ranging 0.63-0.99). Race speeds for 800 m exceeded the speed for 150 s of all-out running, rendering 800 m estimates less accurate. Conversely, predicted times for the other distances yielded strong intraclass correlations (α) and low coefficients of variation (%) values (α=0.74/1.7% and α=0.87/2.1%, for 1 600 and 5 000 m, respectively). Use of the running 3 MT for performances ranging ~2.5-18 min is recommended.

A single test for the determination of parameters of the speed–time relationship for running

“…Recently, Pettitt et al (2012) utilized a 3-min all-out running test to predict outdoor racing performance. The aim of this study, however, was not to examine the validity of the 3-min test parameters.…”

Applications of the Running 3-Min All-Out Exercise Test: An Update

“…1 The subject should be directed to build up their speed progressively to avoid a muscular injury (e.g. strained hamstring) and then maintain that speed for as long as they can.…”

“…8 The latter two timing methods are conducive for indoor running, whereas outdoor GPS monitoring allows for testing a large number of subjects in a short period of time (i.e., an entire sports team tested in less than 30min). 1 The speed of the initial 150sec (S 150s ) is then used to derive D' using: D=(S 150s -CS) 150sec. 1 As a concern for pacing exists, we recommend calculating the slope of speed relative to time during last 30 sec of the test ( Figure 1).…”

“…1 Critical speed is presumed to represent a mechanical measure of the maximal aerobic steady state, demarcating the heavy and severe exercise domains. 2 Exercise in the severe domain relies upon the continual, timedependent depletion of phosphocreatine, 3 the time-dependent rise in blood lactate 4 and evokes a slow component of oxygen uptake that can culminate with attainment of the maximum oxygen uptake at and just prior to the time of exhaustion (t LIM ).…”

“…By using the parameters of CS and D', the sport scientist can predict the time or speed one can run different distances (note: typically distances spanning 1,000 to 5,000 m). 1 The running 3MT has enormous potential for developing racing strategy and is a useful field test for monitoring changes in both endurance and high-intensity exercise capacity. 6 Although much is written about the utility of the 3MT to indirectly measure physiological mechanisms governing CS and D', 2 less is known about the utility of 3MT for tactical running situations.…”