Heart rate-running speed index may be an efficient method of monitoring endurance training adaptation

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel heart rate (HR)-running speed index could be used in monitoring adaptation to endurance training. Forty-five recreational runners underwent a 2-phased 28-week training regime. The first 14 weeks included basic endurance training, whereas the second 14 weeks were more intensive (increased volume and intensity). A maximal treadmill running test was performed in the beginning of the experiment, in the middle of basic endurance training, and at the end of each training period (PRE, WEEK 7, WEEK 14, and POST). The novel HR-running speed index was calculated from every continuous-type running exercise during the 28-week experiment based on exercise HR-running speed relation accompanied by individual information on resting and maximal HR and speed. The change in the novel index correlated significantly with the changes of peak running speed in the treadmill tests (r = 0.43-0.61, p < 0.01) and speed at respiratory compensation threshold (r = 0.35-0.39, p ≤ 0.05) during the experiment. The change in the index also correlated significantly (r = 0.49, p = 0.001) with relative changes in maximal oxygen uptake (in ml·kg·min). According to these findings, it seems that the novel index based on exercise HR and running speed may serve as a practical tool for daily monitoring of individual's training adaptation without the need to realize a maximal running test in laboratory conditions.