Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
09:19
Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice
Published on: February 2, 2019
9.7K
Reliability of peak running speeds obtained from different incremental treadmill protocols
Cecilia Segabinazi Peserico1, Alessandro Moura Zagatto, Fabiana Andrade Machado
1a Associate Post-graduate Program in Physical Education UEM/UEL , State University of Maringá , Maringá , Brazil.
Journal of Sports Sciences
|February 7, 2014
Summary
The peak speed calculation method (Vpeak-P) using incremental treadmill tests is most reliable for assessing aerobic capability. This method is less influenced by speed increments compared to other peak speed calculations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Assessing peak running speed in endurance athletes is crucial for performance evaluation and training monitoring.
- Incremental treadmill protocols are commonly used, but the choice of speed increment can influence results.
- Different methods exist for calculating peak speed, leading to potential inconsistencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the reliability and values of peak running speeds obtained from incremental treadmill protocols with varying speed increments.
- To identify the most reliable method for determining peak running speed in recreational, endurance-trained runners.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one male recreational endurance runners performed three incremental treadmill tests with speed increments of 0.5, 1, and 2 km/h, repeated in random order.
- Peak speed was determined using three methods: Vpeak-60s (speed maintained for 60s), Vpeak-C (speed of the last complete stage), and Vpeak-P (speed of the last complete stage plus a fraction of the incomplete stage).
- Reliability was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV).
Main Results:
- The Vpeak-P method demonstrated the highest reliability across all tested speed increments (1.5% ≤ CV ≤ 1.8%).
- Vpeak-P was minimally affected by the protocol's speed increment, unlike Vpeak-C (1.8% ≤ CV ≤ 2.6%) and Vpeak-60s (1.6% ≤ CV ≤ 3.8%).
- Vpeak-C and Vpeak-60s showed greater variability and were more influenced by the speed increment used in the protocol.
Conclusions:
- The Vpeak-P method is recommended for accurately assessing aerobic capability and monitoring training adaptations in runners due to its superior reliability.
- Avoid using Vpeak-C and Vpeak-60s for peak speed determination in incremental treadmill testing to ensure consistent and reliable data.
- Standardizing the peak speed calculation method is essential for comparable and meaningful interpretation of exercise test results.
