Applying the Critical Velocity Model for an Off-Season Interval Training Program

Abstract

The critical velocity (CV) model offers an opportunity to prescribe and to test empirically different velocity-time (V-t) configurations of high-intensity interval training (HIIT); however, such experiments are lacking. We evaluated a group of competitive, female soccer players (age = 19 ± 1 years, height = 168 ± 6 cm, mass = 61 ± 6 kg) completing 1 of 2 different HIIT regimes: a short group (n = 6) completing higher V and shorter t configurations, and a long group (n = 10) completing lower V, longer t configurations. Both groups trained 2 d·wk for 4 weeks. For each workout, both groups ran at velocities exceeding CV and designed to deplete identical fractional percentages of the finite work capacity above CV (D'). The metrics of CV and D' were evaluated at pretraining and posttraining using the 3-minute all-out exercise test on an indoor track using video digitizing of displacement relative to time. Despite differences in the V-t configurations, both groups increased their CV (+0.22 m·s, +6%) and decreased their D' (-24 m, -13%; p < 0.05). We conclude that 2- to 5-minute HIIT bouts are suitable for increasing CV, in previously trained athletes, but they result in a decline of D'. To increase D', we suggest examining HIIT of intensities that are <2 minutes and >130% of maximum oxygen uptake.

High-Intensity Interval Training Prescribed Within the Secondary Severe-Intensity Domain Improves Critical Speed But Not Finite Distance Capacity

“…For G 140% , intervals were designed with a fixed running speed set a 140% of CS and a variable interval duration (i.e. t LIM ) derived using the following equation (modified from [7]):…”

“…The recovery interval would last twice as long as the calculated t LIM (1:2 work-to-rest ratio) and was completed at 70% of CS which would allow for some, but not complete, recovery of D′ such that the subsequent bout would be initiated in a partially D′-depleted state. Such a protocol enables a total of 4 bouts per session prior to depleting of D′, along with attainment of HR max and subsequent exercise termination [7].…”

“…In lieu of the substantial methodological variability of the traditional method of deriving CS and D′ [25], the 3-min all-out test (3MT) for running may potentially be consigned as the most viable contender for deriving CS and D [27]. Optimal HIIT prescriptions have been observed when accounting for both CS and D′ [7]. Although the utility of the CS concept for interval prescription is well known [17,28,37], research using parameters specifically derived from the running 3MT remains severely limited.…”

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

“…The 3MT also have been used to derive HIIT times ( Figure 2, dashed line) and evaluate training-induced adaptations. 7 Recent studies have validated use of the 3MT for predicting shuttle running performance 9 along with running with tactical load. 8 Future investigations are necessary to validate the use the 3MT to prescribe HIIT for non-continuous running and/or running with a tactical load.…”

“…strained hamstring) and then maintain that speed for as long as they can. The timing of the 3MT can be performed using global positioning sensor (GPS) technology, 1 video recorded times for specified waypoints, 7 or by manually recording split times at specified waypoints. 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).…”