A modified step-ramp-step protocol to prescribe constant-speed exercise in treadmill running

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Background:

• Accurate prediction of oxygen uptake (VO2) is crucial for effective exercise prescription.
• Traditional methods for predicting VO2 during running may lack precision.
• The step-ramp-step (SRS) protocol, adapted from cycling, offers a potential improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a running-adapted step-ramp-step (SRS) protocol for predicting oxygen uptake (VO2) during treadmill exercise.
• To compare the predictive accuracy of the SRS protocol against traditional prescriptive approaches.
• To assess the efficacy of SRS in different exercise intensity domains.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen healthy adults underwent a treadmill-based SRS protocol, including a ramp test and constant-speed bouts.
• Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured during moderate (MODstep) and heavy (HVYstep) intensity exercise.
• Predicted VO2 using the SRS-corrected relationship was compared to predictions from an uncorrected linear model.

Main Results:

• The SRS protocol demonstrated accurate VO2 prediction at moderate (MODstep) and heavy (HVYstep) exercise intensities.
• SRS-predicted VO2 closely matched measured VO2 in both MODstep (5 ± 166 mL·min⁻¹) and HVYstep (20 ± 128 mL·min⁻¹) conditions.
• Traditional uncorrected linear estimates showed less accuracy, particularly at higher intensities (HVYstep: -195 ± 146 mL·min⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• The running-adapted SRS protocol provides a more accurate method for predicting oxygen uptake (VO2) during treadmill exercise in healthy individuals.
• This improved prediction enhances the precision of exercise intensity prescription compared to traditional methods.
• The SRS protocol shows promise for optimizing training regimens based on individual cardiorespiratory responses.