Exercise tolerance during flat over-ground intermittent running: modelling the expenditure and reconstitution kinetics of work done above critical power

Abstract

Purpose We compared a new locomotor-specific model to track the expenditure and reconstitution of work done above critical power (W´) and balance of W´ (W´BAL) by modelling flat over-ground power during exhaustive intermittent running. Method Nine male participants completed a ramp test, 3-min all-out test and the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15 IFT), and performed a severe-intensity constant work-rate trial (SCWR) at the maximum oxygen uptake velocity (vV̇O2max). Four intermittent trials followed: 60-s at vV̇O2max + 50% Δ1 (Δ1 = vV̇O2max − critical velocity [VCrit]) interspersed by 30-s in light (SL; 40% vV̇O2max), moderate (SM; 90% gas-exchange threshold velocity [VGET]), heavy (SH; VGET + 50% Δ2 [Δ2 = VCrit − VGET]), or severe (SS; vV̇O2max − 50% Δ1) domains. Data from Global Positioning Systems were derived to model over-ground power. The difference between critical and recovery power (DCP), time constant for reconstitution of W´ ($$\tau_{{W^{\prime}}}$$τW′), time to limit of tolerance (TLIM), and W´BAL from the integral (W´BALint), differential (W´BALdiff), and locomotor-specific (OG-W´BAL) methods were compared. Results The relationship between $$\tau_{{W^{\prime}}}$$τW′ and DCP was exponential (r2 = 0.52). The $$\tau_{{W^{{\prime}}}}$$τW′ for SL, SM, and SH trials were 119 ± 32-s, 190 ± 45-s, and 336 ± 77-s, respectively. Actual TLIM in the 30–15 IFT (968 ± 117-s) compared closely to TLIM predicted by OG-W´BAL (929 ± 94-s, P > 0.100) and W´BALdiff (938 ± 84-s, P > 0.100) but not to W´BALint (848 ± 91-s, P = 0.001). Conclusion The OG-W´BAL accurately tracked W´ kinetics during intermittent running to exhaustion on flat surfaces.

Oxygen Uptake at Critical Speed and Power in Running: Perspectives and Practical Applications

“…However, typical power meters 19 provide P ext or P tot but not P int , which makes the estimation of CP ext or CP tot essential to perform training based on power-based intensity domains. Besides, Vassallo et al 34 recently estimated a running CP tot from a 3-minute all-out test performed on an outdoor athletic track. The authors obtained a CP tot of 6.64 W/kg (assuming a body mass of 68 kg), which is 15% smaller than the one reported in the present study.…”

Modeling the expenditure and reconstitution of distance above critical speed during two swimming interval training sessions

“…The present study observed that τD′ was not related to CS regardless of linear or nonlinear equations used. On the other hand, τW′ was previously related to D CP or CP in cycling, running, and handgrip exercises ( Skiba et al, 2012 ; Broxterman et al, 2016 ; Vassallo et al, 2020 ). As previously mentioned, it is possible that no relationship was found because of the high within-subject variability of τD'.…”

“…As previously mentioned, it is possible that no relationship was found because of the high within-subject variability of τD'. Also, the discrepancies between results might, to a large extent, be due to these studies employing recovery intensity based on different exercise domains ( Skiba et al, 2012 ; Vassallo et al, 2020 ) or different contraction–relaxation cycles ( Broxterman et al, 2016 ). In accordance, when performing a visual inspection in figures presented by Skiba et al (2012) , Vassallo et al (2020) , and Broxterman et al (2016) , the relationships would likely have a worse or no fit if only one exercise domain were used for recovery intensity ( Skiba et al, 2012 ; Vassallo et al, 2020 ) or contraction–relaxation cycle ( Broxterman et al, 2016 ).…”

Brief Review of Methods to Quantify High-Speed Running in Rugby League: Are Current Methods Appropriate?

“…Whereas, when applied to velocity, work performed below the critical velocity threshold is measured in m·s −1 , and the finite work capacity is measured in meters (64). It has previously been suggested that parameters derived from this power/velocity-time relationship can be used to describe a “gold standard” demarcation of the metabolic steady state and the finite work capacity of individuals (64,66).…”