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A test for determining critical heart rate using the critical power model
Michelle Mielke1, Terry J Housh, C Russell Hendrix
1Department of Sport Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA. mmielke@pacific.edu
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 25, 2010
Summary
The critical heart rate (CHR) model accurately estimates critical power (CP) and can be used to determine exercise intensity domains and training prescriptions for cyclists. This method avoids the need for gas analysis, offering a practical alternative for assessing exercise physiology.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Critical Power (CP) is a key physiological determinant of endurance exercise capacity.
- Estimating CP typically involves complex laboratory measurements.
- Heart Rate (HR) is a readily available physiological metric during exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the applicability of the CP model to estimate Critical Heart Rate (CHR).
- To compare CHR with HR at Critical Power (CP(HR)), Ventilatory Threshold (VT(HR)), and Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP(HR)).
Main Methods:
- Fifteen women completed incremental and constant-work-rate tests to exhaustion.
- Critical Heart Rate (CHR) was determined using a model based on total heartbeats and time to exhaustion.
- Critical Power (CP) was determined using a model based on total work and time to exhaustion.
Main Results:
- The CP model effectively described the relationship between HR and time to exhaustion for CHR determination.
- CHR was similar to the HR at the Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP(HR)).
- CHR was significantly higher than HR at Critical Power (CP(HR)) and Ventilatory Threshold (VT(HR)).
Conclusions:
- The CHR test is a valid and practical method for estimating the Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP).
- CHR can be used to delineate heavy and severe exercise intensity domains.
- CHR may aid in predicting endurance performance and prescribing training intensity for cyclists.
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