Validity of Treadmill-Derived Critical Speed on Predicting 5000-Meter Track-Running Performance

Abstract

Nimmerichter, A, Novak, N, Triska, C, Prinz, B, and Breese, BC. Validity of treadmill-derived critical speed on predicting 5,000-meter track-running performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 706-714, 2017-To evaluate 3 models of critical speed (CS) for the prediction of 5,000-m running performance, 16 trained athletes completed an incremental test on a treadmill to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and 3 randomly ordered runs to exhaustion at the [INCREMENT]70% intensity, at 110% and 98% of MAS. Critical speed and the distance covered above CS (D') were calculated using the hyperbolic speed-time (HYP), the linear distance-time (LIN), and the linear speed inverse-time model (INV). Five thousand meter performance was determined on a 400-m running track. Individual predictions of 5,000-m running time (t = [5,000-D']/CS) and speed (s = D'/t + CS) were calculated across the 3 models in addition to multiple regression analyses. Prediction accuracy was assessed with the standard error of estimate (SEE) from linear regression analysis and the mean difference expressed in units of measurement and coefficient of variation (%). Five thousand meter running performance (speed: 4.29 ± 0.39 m·s; time: 1,176 ± 117 seconds) was significantly better than the predictions from all 3 models (p < 0.0001). The mean difference was 65-105 seconds (5.7-9.4%) for time and -0.22 to -0.34 m·s (-5.0 to -7.5%) for speed. Predictions from multiple regression analyses with CS and D' as predictor variables were not significantly different from actual running performance (-1.0 to 1.1%). The SEE across all models and predictions was approximately 65 seconds or 0.20 m·s and is therefore considered as moderate. The results of this study have shown the importance of aerobic and anaerobic energy system contribution to predict 5,000-m running performance. Using estimates of CS and D' is valuable for predicting performance over race distances of 5,000 m.

Avaliação da velocidade crítica de corrida em pista e esteira: perfis fisiológicos e relações com o desempenho em 3000 metros

“…In the study by Grant et al 29 , adult runners with VȮ 2 max ~73 mLO 2 •kg -1 •min -1 and 3000-meter performance of ~584 s presented velocities corresponding to lactate thresholds (above rest and set at 4 mmol×L -1 ), more associated with v3000m in greater magnitude (r = 0.93 for both) than to vVȮ 2 max (r = 0.86). Another study addressing 5000-meter performance determinants found that time (~19 min and 36 s) and velocity (4.29 m×s -1 or ~15.4 km×h -1 ) were more strongly associated to CV (v-1×t Lim -1 : r = -0.77 and 0.78, respectively), than to vVȮ 2 max (r = -0.71 and 0.74, respectively) among adult runners with moderately high fitness level (VȮ 2 max = 63.6 mLO 2 •kg -1 •min -1 ) 30 . In the present study, involving young runners still in the formation process (VȮ 2 max = 54.2 ± 5.2 mLO 2 •kg -1 •min -1 and with t Lim in 3000 meters of ~14 min and 31s), it is evident the potential of an aerobic capacity parameter (in this case CV) to index the medium-duration performance.…”

Different durations within the method of best practice affect the parameters of the speed–duration relationship

“…A linear relationship between speed and the inverse of time in running was first demonstrated by Hughson, Orok, and Staudt (1984). The parameter estimates of this relationship serve as important parameters for Nimmerichter, Novak, Triska, Prinz, & Breese, 2017). Critical speed (CS) functions as a demarcation line between the heavy and the severe exercise intensity domain, while its related total distance covered above CS (D´) serves as an important parameter for high-intensity exercise (Bull, Housh, Johnson, & Rana, 2008;Jones et al, 2010).…”

Methodological Approaches and Related Challenges Associated With the Determination of Critical Power and Curvature Constant

“…Similarly, running events lasting longer than 1 h, such as the marathon, are also strongly correlated with the running equivalents of CP (termed critical speed (CS)), and completed at an intensity close to, but fractionally below, CP (41,59).. Moreover, the combination of CS and the running equivalent of W' (D') predicts 5000-m running performance within 1% (85). Finally, with the advantages of the aforementioned applications, it is not surprising that the P-T relationship has been used to evaluate and monitor performance, and proposed as a tool for anti-doping (37,93,116).…”

“…To address this issue, some authors have investigated whether a shorter recovery between trials affects CP and/or W'(15,45,63,85,97,105).Karsten et al (64) compared the conventional 24 h method with two experimental recovery durations of 3 h and 30 min. The authors observed that, in comparison with the standard 24-h-recovery protocol, the two shorter recovery protocols were sufficient to not affect CP (prediction error of 2.5% and 3.7% for the 3 h and 30 min recovery protocols, respectively, compared to 24 h).…”