Self-Paced Field Running Test in Monitoring Fatigue and Training Adaptations in Recreational Runners

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Running Performance Analysis

Background:

• Endurance performance monitoring is crucial for training.
• Field-based tests offer accessibility but require validation.
• The self-paced field running test (SFT) is a novel approach to assess endurance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reproducibility of the SFT in recreational runners.
• To assess the sensitivity of the SFT in detecting changes in endurance performance.
• To compare SFT performance with established incremental treadmill tests.

Main Methods:

• 27 recreational runners underwent a 6-week training intervention (baseline, overload, recovery).
• Participants completed weekly SFTs and periodic incremental treadmill and 3000-m running tests.
• Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation, and repeated-measures correlation.

Main Results:

• Significant associations (r = .68–.93) were found between SFT speeds and incremental test metrics (peak and lactate threshold speeds).
• High intraclass correlations (.77–.96) indicated good reproducibility, especially for interval speeds.
• Repeated-measures correlations showed significant, albeit small, associations for submaximal and maximal efforts.

Conclusions:

• The SFT demonstrates good reproducibility for estimating endurance performance in recreational runners.
• The test's sensitivity to track minor, short-term performance fluctuations appears limited.
• Standardized conditions may enhance the SFT's ability to detect subtle performance changes.