Relationship between the talk test and ventilatory thresholds in well-trained cyclists

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Physiological thresholds like ventilatory (VT) and respiratory compensation (RCT) are crucial for training intensity.
• The Talk Test (TT) offers a simpler method to estimate these thresholds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Talk Test (TT) as a marker for physiological thresholds in highly trained cyclists.
• To determine if the equivocal (EQ) and negative (NEG) stages of the TT correspond to VT and RCT.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen highly trained cyclists completed two incremental exercise tests.
• One test involved respiratory gas exchange to determine VT and RCT.
• The second test utilized the Talk Test (TT) protocol to identify EQ and NEG stages.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in workload, heart rate, lactate, or perceived exertion between VT vs. EQ and RCT vs. NEG.
• Strong correlations were observed between VT and EQ, and RCT and NEG for workload, heart rate, and perceived exertion (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• The equivocal (EQ) and negative (NEG) stages of the Talk Test (TT) serve as practical surrogates for VT and RCT in elite cyclists.
• The TT provides a simple and accessible method for determining training intensity zones.