Comparison of physiological responses of running on a nonmotorized and conventional motor-propelled treadmill at similar intensities

Abstract This study aimed to test the agreement of the incremental test's physiological responses between tethered running on a nonmotorized treadmill (NMT) to matched relative intensities while running on a conventional motorized treadmill (MT). Using a within-subject crossover design, nine male recreational runners (age = 22 ± 5 years; height = 175 ± 6 cm; weight = 68.0 ± 16.6 kg) underwent two test sessions: one was an incremental intensity protocol on an MT; the other was on an instrumented NMT. Intensity thresholds at $${\dot{\text V}}$$ V ˙ O2max, respiratory compensation point (iRCP), and lactate threshold (iLT) were registered for analysis, together with $${\dot{\text V}}$$ V ˙ ̇O2, $${\dot{\text V}}$$ V ˙ ̇E, ƒR, and blood lactate concentration ([Lac]). Comparisons were based on hypothesis testing (Student's T-test), effect sizes (Cohen's d), ICC, and Bland Altman analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p