Oxygen uptake, velocity at lactate threshold, and running economy in elite special forces

Abstract

Objective: To examine the correlation of peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak), velocity at lactate threshold (VLT), and running economy (RE) in a group of Special Force Squad members. Methods: VO 2peak, VLT, and RE of 120 male elite special force police squad members (VO2peak, 57.4 ± 4.3 mL·minute -1 ·kg-1 ; age, 28.9 ± 5.2 years; body mass index, 24.2 ± 1.6 kg·m-2 ) were tested using an incremental treadmill protocol (2.4 msecond -1, increase 0.4 m·second-1 every 5 minutes). Running velocities at the first lactate inflection point (VLT) and blood lactate concentration at 4 mmol·L-1 (V4) were determined. RE was defined as oxygen uptake in mL·kg-1 ·minute-1 at 3.2 m·second-1. Results: Analysis revealed little or no correlation between V4, VLT, VO2peak, and RE ( r = 0.02-0.35; p = 0.01-0.80). Conclusions: (1) VO2peak, V LT, and RE do not correlate in elite squad members. (2) All 3 variables should be assessed when comparing inter-and intraindividual differences in endurance performance of Special Force Squad members. Copyright © Association of Military Surgeons of the US. All rights reserved.