Peak velocity and its time limit are as good as the velocity associated with VO (2max) for training prescription in runners

This study compared the effects of 4 weeks of training prescribed by peak velocity (V (peak) ) or velocity associated with maximum oxygen uptake (vVO (2max) ) in moderately trained endurance runners. Study participants were 14 runners (18–35 years) randomized into 2 groups, named group VO (2) (GVO (2) ) and group V (peak) (GVP). The GVO (2) had training prescribed by vVO (2max) and its time limit (t (lim) ), whereas the GVP had training prescribed by V (peak) and its t (lim) . Four tests were performed on a treadmill: 2 maximum incremental for V (peak) and vVO (2max) and 2 for their t (lim) . Performance (10 km) was evaluated on a 400 m track. Evaluations were repeated after 4 weeks of endurance training. The results showed a significant effect of training on V (peak) [GVP (16.7±1.2 – 17.6±1.5 km (.) h (−1) ), GVO (2) (17.1±1.9–17.7±1.6 km·h (−1) )]; vVO (2max) [GVP (16.4±1.4–17.0±1.3 km·h (−1) ), GVO (2) (17.2±1.7–17.5±1.9 km·h (−1) )]; and 10 km performance [GVP (41.3±2.4–39.9±2.7 min), GVO (2) (40.1±3.4–39.2±2.9 min)]. The V (peak) highly correlated with performance in both pre- and post-training in GVP (–0.97;–0.86) and GVO (2) (–0.95;–0.94), as well as with vVO (2max) in GVP (–0.82;–0.88) and GVO (2) (–0.99; –0.98). It is concluded that training prescribed by V (peak) promoted similar improvements compared to training prescribed by vVO (2max) . The use of V (peak) is recommended due to its practical application and the low cost of determination.