Treadmill protocols for determination of maximum oxygen uptake in runners

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment

Background:

• Accurate assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is crucial for evaluating athletic performance and training.
• Standardized treadmill protocols are commonly used, but variations in speed and stage duration may influence test outcomes and participant experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of four different treadmill testing protocols on VO2 max, exercise duration, perceived exertion, and heart rate in runners.
• To identify an optimal protocol that balances physiological validity with participant comfort and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Ten runners completed four treadmill protocols: common speed (P1, P2), training pace (P3), and self-selected speed (P4).
• Stage grade increased by 2.5% every 2 minutes (P1: 1-minute stages).
• Measurements included VO2 max, treadmill time, rate of perceived exertion, and heart rate.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in VO2 max were observed across the four protocols.
• Treadmill time was significantly shorter for P1 compared to other protocols.
• Rate of perceived exertion was lower during P1 at maximal exercise.
• Submaximal heart rate was significantly lower during P3 compared to other protocols.

Conclusions:

• A protocol using training pace speeds and 1-minute stages is recommended for treadmill testing.
• This recommended protocol may lead to reduced perceived difficulty, lower heart rate, and shorter testing durations.
• Optimizing testing protocols can enhance the runner's experience and potentially improve data reliability.