A 5-min running field test as a measurement of maximal aerobic velocity

Based on a theoretical approach from world record running data, we have previously calculated that the most suitable duration for measuring maximal aerobic velocity (Vamax) by a field test was 5 min (Vamax(5)). The aim of this study was, therefore, to check this hypothesis on 48 men of various levels of physical fitness by comparing (Vmax(5)) with (Vamax) determined at the last step of a progressive treadmill exercise test when the subject felt exhausted (Vamax(t)) and during a test on a running track, behind a cyclist (following an established protocol) (Vamax(c)). For each test, (VO2max) was also measured by a direct method on a treadmill (VO2max(1)) and calculated by an equation for field tests (VO2max(5) and VO2max(c)). The Vamax(5) [17.1 (SD 2.2) km.h-1] and (Vamax(c)) [(18.2 (SD 2.4) km.h-1] were significantly higher than (Vamax(t)) [16.9 (SD 2.6) km.h-1; P < 0.001]. The (Vamax(t)) was strongly correlated with (Vamax(5)) (r = 0.94) and (Vamax(c)) (r = 0.95) (P < 0.001). The best identity and correlation between (Vamax(5)) and track performances were found in the runners (n = 9) with experience over a distance of 3,000 m. The VO2max(5) and (VO2max(c)) were higher than VO2max(t) (+ 5.0% and + 13.7%, respectively; P < 0.001) and VO2max(t) was highly correlated with Vamax(5) (r = 0.90; P < 0.001). These results suggest that the 5-min field test, easy to apply, provided precise information on Vamax and to a lesser degree on VO2max.