Performance prediction of endurance runners through laboratory and track tests

The objectives of this study were: 1) determine and compare physiological indexes from laboratory and track tests (Université de Montréal Track Test - UMTT) in endurance runners; 2) analyze the predictive capacity of VO2max, vVO2max and AT with the running performance at 1,500 m, 5,000 m and 10,000 m time trials; 3) analyze the effects of running distance on the relationship between the physiological indexes with aerobic performance. The study included 10 moderately trained endurance runners who performed the following series of tests on different days: 10,000 m, 5,000 m, and 1,500 m time trials on a 400 m track; two maximal incremental tests (laboratory and track) to determine the VO2max, vVO2max, and AT. There were no significant differences between VO2max, vVO2max and AT determined in both protocols. The multiple regression analysis revealed that vVO2max was the only index from laboratory associated with running performance at 1,500 and 5,000 m (62 and 35%, respectively). In addition, vVO2max from UMTT explained the running performance for the same previous distance (78 and 66%, respectively). On the other hand, the AT determined in both incremental tests explained 38 and 52% of performance at 10,000 m time trial, respectively. Thus, the prediction of endurance performance of long distance runners using VO2max, vVO2max and AT determined in the laboratory and UMTT tests depends on the running distance.