Training status affects between-protocols differences in the assessment of maximal aerobic velocity

PURPOSE: Continuous incremental protocols (CP) may misestimate the maximum aerobic velocity (V(max)) due to increases in running speed faster than cardiorespiratory/metabolic adjustments. A higher aerobic capacity may mitigate this issue due to faster pulmonary oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text] O(2)) kinetics. Therefore, this study aimed to compare three different protocols to assess V(max) in athletes with higher or lower training status. METHODS: Sixteen well-trained runners were classified according to higher (HI) or lower (LO) [Formula: see text] O(2max) [Formula: see text] O(2)-kinetics was calculated across four 5-min running bouts at 10 km·h(−1). Two CPs [1 km·h(−1) per min (CP1) and 1 km·h(−1) every 2-min (CP2)] were performed to determine V(max) [Formula: see text] O(2max), lactate-threshold and submaximal [Formula: see text] O(2)/velocity relationship. Results were compared to the discontinuous incremental protocol (DP). RESULTS: V(max), [Formula: see text] O(2max), [Formula: see text] CO(2) and VE were higher [(P < 0.05,(ES:0.22/2.59)] in HI than in LO. [Formula: see text] O(2)-kinetics was faster [P < 0.05,(ES:-2.74/ − 1.76)] in HI than in LO. [Formula: see text] O(2)/velocity slope was lower in HI than in LO [(P < 0.05,(ES:-1.63/ − 0.18)]. V(max) and [Formula: see text] O(2)/velocity slope were CP1 > CP2 = DP for HI and CP1 > CP2 > DP for LO. A lower [P < 0.05,(ES:0.53/0.75)] V(max)-difference for both CP1 and CP2 vs DP was found in HI than in LO. V(max)-differences in CP1 vs DP showed a large inverse correlation with V(max), [Formula: see text] O(2max) and lactate-threshold and a very large correlation with [Formula: see text] O(2)-kinetics. CONCLUSIONS: Higher aerobic training status witnessed by faster [Formula: see text] O(2) kinetics led to lower between-protocol V(max) differences, particularly between CP2 vs DP. Faster kinetics may minimize the mismatch issues between metabolic and mechanical power that may occur in CP. This should be considered for exercise prescription at different percentages of V(max).