Search

Purpose: Two parameters in particular span both health and performance; critical speed (CS) and finite distance capacity (D'). The purpose of the present study was to: (1) classify performance norms, (2) distinguish athletic from non-athletic individuals using the 3-min all-out test (3MT) for running, and (3) introduce a deterministic model highlighting the relationship between variables of the 3MT., Methods: Athletic (n = 43) and non-athletic (n = 25) individuals participated in the study. All participants completed a treadmill graded exercise test (GXT) with verification bout and a 3MT on an outdoor sprinting track., Results: Meaningful differences between non-athletic and athletic individuals (denoted by mean difference scores, p value and Cohen's d with 95% confidence intervals) were evident for CS (- 0.74 m s -1 , p < 0.001, d = - 1.41 [1.97, - 0.87]), exponential growth time constant ([Formula: see text]; 2.75 s, p < 0.001, d = - 1.29 [- 1.45, - 0.42]), time to maximal speed ([Formula: see text]; - 2.80 s, p < 0.001, d = - 0.98 [- 1.51, - 0.47]), maximal speed ([Formula: see text]; - 1.36 m s -1 , p < 0.001, d = - 1.56 [- 2.13, - 1.01]), gas exchange threshold (GET; - 5.62 ml kg -1  min -1 , p < 0.001, d = - 0.97 [- 1.50, - 0.45]), distance covered in the first minute (1st min; - 81.69 m, p < 0.001, d = - 1.91 [- 2.52, - 1.33]), distance covered in the second minute (2nd min; - 52.02 m, p < 0.001, d = - 1.71 [- 2.30, - 1.15]) and maximal distance (- 153.78 m, p < 0.001, d = - 1.27 [- 1.82, - 0.74]). The correlation coefficient between key physiological and performance variables are shown in the form of a deterministic model created from the data derived from the 3MT., Conclusions: Coaches and clinicians may benefit from the use of normative data to potentially identify exceptional or irregular occurrences in 3MT performances.

How parameters derived from oxygen uptake [Formula: see text] kinetics relate to critical speed is not fully understood, and how such parameters relate to more sport-specific performances, such as shuttle running, has not been investigated. Therefore, the primary aims of the present student were to examine the [Formula: see text] kinetics during all-out linear and shuttle running and compare physiological variables of all-out running to variables measured during a graded exercise test (GXT). Fifteen male soccer players performed a graded exercise test (GXT) and the [Formula: see text] kinetics from a series of three different 3-min all-out tests (3MT's) were evaluated. [Formula: see text] achieved during the GXT did not differ from maximal [Formula: see text] achieved during the all-out tests (F = 1.85, p = 0.13) (overall ICC = 0.65; typical error = 2.48 ml∙kg-1∙min-1; coefficient of variation = 4.8%). A moderate, inverse correlation (r = -0.62, p = 0.02) was observed between τ (14.7 ± 1.92 s) and CS (3.96 ± 0.52 m∙s-1) despite the narrow SD for τ. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed for any of the [Formula: see text] kinetics between continuous and shuttle running bouts. The linear running 3MT (r3MT) represents a viable surrogate to the GXT and data beyond CS and D' may be gleaned by using the bi-exponential speed-time model., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Kramer, M, Clark, IE, Jamnick, N, Strom, C, and Pettitt, RW. Normative data for critical speed and D' for high-level male rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 783-789, 2018-The critical speed (CS) concept helps characterize the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of an athlete. Rugby players should, hypothetically, have modest CS values but extremely high curvature constant (D') values, yet, normative data are currently unavailable. To develop normative data of CS and D' for high-level male rugby players, a total of 30 male rugby players were recruited from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. All subjects performed the running 3-minute all-out exercise test (3 MT) using global positioning system (GPS) technology to determine CS and D'. The GPS data were used to determine the total distance and velocities performed, and to examine for pacing effects. Summary statistics of mean ± SD are provided. High total running speeds for the initial 150 seconds (S150s = 5.79 ± 0.59 m·s), and total distance (3 MT distance = 871.5 ± 71.9 m) were observed. A total of 13 of 30 subjects surpassed the 300 m D' value (mean D' = 288.2 ± 49.1 m). The CS of the total group was 3.87 ± 0.55 m·s. All 3 MT-derived data were categorized using standard nine (stanine) tables that allowed for the generation of normative data with which future performances, performances across similar sporting domains, and more accurate contrasts across the literature can be compared. Skewing of CS and D' was observed between forwards and backs, therefore, between-group differences in neither CS nor D' were observed (p > 0.05). Comparisons with previous literature indicate that male rugby players have higher CS values than female rugby players. When compared with Olympic distance runners, male rugby players have markedly higher D' values and markedly lower CS values. The 3 MT provides a useful procedure for assessing and prescribing high-intensity interval training for rugby athletes.