Maximum performance, repeatability, and intraindividual variability of sprinting in common wall lizards ( Podarcis...

The repeatability of functional traits like physiological maxima (maximum performance) measures the reliability of underlying measurements. However, best practices for analyzing maximal performance while accounting for within-individual variation are lacking. Here, we quantify the coefficient of variation and repeatability of maximum sprinting speed in common wall lizards ( Podarcis muralis ) from Cincinnati, USA. We use insights from experimental data and bootstrap resampling to discuss strategies for analyzing physiological maxima while accounting for within-individual variation. Relative to assuming greater among- than within-individual variation, our proposals offer greater precision in parameter estimates and statistical test results with increased power, thus improving scientific reproducibility.