Novel track field test to determine Vpeak, relationship with treadmill test and 10-km running performance in trained endurance runners

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the peak running velocity on the track field (V peak_TF ) based on the laboratory treadmill test (V peak_T ), and relate the V peak values as well as their correlation with the 10-km running performance in trained endurance runners. Method Twenty male trained endurance runners (age: 29.5 ± 5.3 years; V̇O 2max : 67.5±17.6 ml · kg -1 ·min -1 ) performed three maximum incremental tests to determine the V peak : one for V peak_T determination and two to obtain V peak_TF on the official track field (400 m), and a 10-km running performance. During the incremental tests, maximum heart rate (HR max ), maximal rating of perceived exertion (RPE max ), and peak lactate concentration (LA peak ) were determined. Results The results showed significant difference between the V peak_TF and V peak_T (18.1 ± 1.2 vs . 19.2 ± 1.5 km·h -1 , respectively), as well as the total time of the tests, the distance traveled and the RPE max determined during the tests. A high correlation was observed between the V peak values (r = 0.94), and between V peak_TF and V peak_T with 10-km running performance (r = -0.95 vs . r = -0.89, respectively). Conclusions The good agreement and association with V peak_T and high correlation with 10-km running performance demonstrate that the novel track field test is efficient for V peak_TF determination.