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Peak Running Velocity or Critical Speed Under Field Conditions: Which Best Predicts 5-km Running Performance in
Diogo Hilgemberg Figueiredo1, Diego Hilgemberg Figueiredo1, Francisco de Assis Manoel2
1Associate Post-graduate Program in Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.
Frontiers in Physiology
|July 23, 2021
Summary
Critical speed (CS) better predicts 5-km running performance in recreational runners than peak running velocity. This finding helps optimize training for improved race times.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Running Performance Analysis
Background:
- Predicting running performance is crucial for training optimization.
- Peak running velocity and critical speed are common metrics used in endurance sports.
- Understanding the predictive power of these metrics for recreational runners is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the predictive accuracy of peak running velocity (Vpeak_TF) and critical speed (CS) for 5-km running performance in recreational runners.
- To determine which variable, Vpeak_TF or CS, is a superior predictor of 5-km race times.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five male recreational runners participated in the study.
- Vpeak_TF was determined via an incremental track test to volitional exhaustion.
- CS was calculated using multiple time trials (2600m, 1800m, 1000m) with varying combinations.
- 5-km running performance was assessed, and mean velocity (MV) was calculated.
Main Results:
- A significant difference was found between Vpeak_TF and the 5-km MV.
- No significant differences were observed between CS values and the 5-km MV.
- Strong correlations were found between Vpeak_TF, CS (CS1,2,3 and CS1,3), and 5-km performance time (R = -0.90 to -0.95).
- Linear regression showed Vpeak_TF (R² = 0.82) and CS (CS1,2,3 and CS1,3, R² = 0.90) significantly predicted 5-km performance time.
Conclusions:
- Critical speed (CS) demonstrates a higher predictive power for 5-km running performance in recreational runners compared to peak running velocity (Vpeak_TF).
- Specifically, CS derived from three (CS1,2,3) or two (CS1,3) time trials offers the most robust prediction.
- These findings suggest CS is a more valuable physiological marker for assessing and predicting the endurance capacity of recreational runners over a 5-km distance.
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