Training-intensity Distribution on Middle- and Long-distance Runners: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Training-intensity distribution (TID) is considered the key factor to optimize performance in endurance sports. This systematic review aimed to: I) characterize the TID typically used by middle-and long-distance runners; II) compare the effect of different types of TID on endurance performance and its physiological determinants; III) determine the extent to which different TID quantification methods can calculate same TID outcomes from a given training program. The keywords and search strategy identified 20 articles in the research databases. These articles demonstrated differences in the quantification of the different training-intensity zones among quantification methods (i. e. session-rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate, race pace, and running speed). The studies that used greater volumes of low-intensity training such as those characterized by pyramidal and polarized TID approaches, reported greater improvements in endurance performance than those which used a threshold TID. Thus, it seems that the combination of high-volume at low-intensity (≥ 70% of overall training volume) and low-volume at threshold and high-intensity interval training (≤ 30%) is necessary to optimize endurance training adaptations in middle-and long-distance runners. Moreover, monitoring training via multiple mechanisms that systematically encompasses objective and subjective TID quantification methods can help coaches/researches to make better decisions.

The Impact of Training on the Loss of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Aging Masters Endurance Athletes

“…For instance, considerable reductions in pre-competition training volume for 2–3 weeks (tapering) are known to not compromise VO 2 max and even improve performance. With regard to regular training intensities, a combination of high-volume training at low intensity (≥75% of overall training volume) with low-volume training at threshold and high-intensity interval training (≤20%) appears to be an appropriate method to optimize endurance training adaptations in most middle- and long-distance runners [ 116 ].…”

Training intensity distribution on running time in amateur endurance runners: a scoping review

“…Zone two or moderate-intensity training, or threshold level training, is at the intensity between lactate and ventilatory thresholds one and two (VT1 and VT2). Zone three, or high-intensity training, is located at an intensity above lactate and ventilatory threshold two (>VT2) [5][6][7].…”

“…In the case of athletics, the measurement of performance is mainly determined by the running time over a given distance. However, the optimal volume and TID have been difficult to agree on [5,8].…”

“…Although there is evidence to determine the TID in athletes, these have had difficulties due to the heterogeneity of the methods of quantification of the training zones [8]. Heart rate, lactate threshold, perception of effort, race pace, percentages of speed at which athletes cover a given distance or maximum aerobic speed, inidividual specific race pace, and critical power have been used through laboratory and/or field tests [5,25]. However, it has been shown that the same training load can result in a different TID model depending on the method used to quantify the time in each intensity zone [12].…”

Determination of the Respiratory Compensation Point by Detecting Changes in Intercostal Muscles Oxygenation by Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

“…), work rate (power (watts, W) or velocity), and lactate levels in capillary blood ([Lac] blood ) [ 4 , 5 ]. Different models have been used to define training intensities zones according to changes in these parameters at systemic levels [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The gold-standard method to identify the training zones is based on the analysis of expired gases and changes at ventilatory parameters, determining ventilatory thresholds (VT1 or aerobic threshold, and VT2 or respiratory compensation point (RCP)) which corresponds to exercise-intensity where a particular source of energy supply has more prevalence [ 11 ].…”