Prescribing 6-weeks of running training using parameters from a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake protocol

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The self-paced maximal oxygen uptake test (SPV) may offer effective training prescription metrics for athletes. This study aimed to examine whether SPV-derived data could be used for training prescription. Methods Twenty-four recreationally active male and female runners were randomly assigned between two training groups: (1) Standardised (STND) and (2) Self-Paced (S-P). Participants completed 4 running sessions a week using a global positioning system-enabled (GPS) watch: 2 × interval sessions; 1 × recovery run; and 1 × tempo run. STND had training prescribed via graded exercise test (GXT) data, whereas S-P had training prescribed via SPV data. In STND, intervals were prescribed as 6 × 60% of the time that velocity at $$\dot {V}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2max ($$_{{\text{v}}}\dot {V}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}}$$ v V ˙ O 2max ) could be maintained (Tmax). In S-P, intervals were prescribed as 7 × 120 s at the mean velocity of rating of perceived exertion 20 (vRPE20). Both groups used 1:2 work:recovery ratio. Maximal oxygen uptake ($$\dot {V}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2max ), $$_{{\text{v}}}\dot {V}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}}$$ v V ˙ O 2max , Tmax, vRPE20, critical speed (CS), and lactate threshold (LT) were determined before and after the 6-week training. Results STND and S-P training significantly improved $$\dot {V}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2max by 4 ± 8 and 6 ± 6%, CS by 7 ± 7 and 3 ± 3%; LT by 5 ± 4% and 7 ± 8%, respectively (all P < .05), with no differences observed between groups. Conclusions Novel metrics obtained from the SPV can offer similar training prescription and improvement in $$\dot {V}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2max , CS and LT compared to training derived from a traditional GXT.