Physiological transition threshold in mountain runners: a systematic review

Abstract The identification of physiological transition thresholds (TT) is commonly used for prescribing and evaluating the performance of endurance athletes; however, the methods need further investigation in mountain runner athletes. The aim of the present review was to analyze the different methods used to determine TT in mountain runners. After analyzing 1,176 articles found in different databases, 4 articles that presented a relationship with the theme were selected. Varied proposals were observed, in which the surveys searched for physical and/or cardiorespiratory performance, as well as the effect of acclimatization and training at different altitudes in mountain runners. All studies used spirometry to identify the anaerobic threshold through visual methods and a relative mean intensity in thresholds occurred at 80 – 90% of VO2max. The results of studies analyzed evidenced the limited use of methodologies in the identification of exercises for training evaluation and prescription, as well as the use of effective and low-cost alternative methods to determine these thresholds in mountain runners.