Training status affects between-protocols differences in the assessment of maximal aerobic velocity

Abstract

Purpose: Continuous incremental protocols (CP) may misestimate the maximum aerobic velocity (Vmax) due to increases in running speed faster than cardiorespiratory/metabolic adjustments. A higher aerobic capacity may mitigate this issue due to faster pulmonary oxygen uptake (V˙ O2) kinetics. Therefore, this study aimed to compare three different protocols to assess Vmax in athletes with higher or lower training status. Methods: Sixteen well-trained runners were classified according to higher (HI) or lower (LO) V˙ O2maxV˙ O2-kinetics was calculated across four 5-min running bouts at 10 km·h−1. Two CPs [1 km·h−1 per min (CP1) and 1 km·h−1 every 2-min (CP2)] were performed to determine VmaxV˙ O2max, lactate-threshold and submaximal V˙ O2/velocity relationship. Results were compared to the discontinuous incremental protocol (DP). Results: Vmax, V˙ O2max, V˙ CO2 and VE were higher [(P < 0.05,(ES:0.22/2.59)] in HI than in LO. V˙ O2-kinetics was faster [P < 0.05,(ES:-2.74/ − 1.76)] in HI than in LO. V˙ O2/velocity slope was lower in HI than in LO [(P < 0.05,(ES:-1.63/ − 0.18)]. Vmax and V˙ O2/velocity slope were CP1 > CP2 = DP for HI and CP1 > CP2 > DP for LO. A lower [P < 0.05,(ES:0.53/0.75)] Vmax-difference for both CP1 and CP2 vs DP was found in HI than in LO. Vmax-differences in CP1 vs DP showed a large inverse correlation with Vmax, V˙ O2max and lactate-threshold and a very large correlation with V˙ O2-kinetics. Conclusions: Higher aerobic training status witnessed by faster V˙ O2 kinetics led to lower between-protocol Vmax differences, particularly between CP2 vs DP. Faster kinetics may minimize the mismatch issues between metabolic and mechanical power that may occur in CP. This should be considered for exercise prescription at different percentages of Vmax.