Critical speed and finite distance capacity: norms for athletic and non-athletic groups

Reliability and Validity of Predicted Performance in the Severe-Intensity Domain From the 3-Minute All-Out Running Test

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability and validity of the predicted distance-time relationship in the severe-intensity domain from a 3-minute all-out running test (3MT).

METHODS

Twelve runners performed two 3MTs (test #1 and test #2) on an outdoor 400-m track after familiarization. Eighteen-hertz Global Positioning System data were used to estimate critical speed (CS) and distance covered above CS (D'). Time to cover 1200 and 3600 m (T1200 and T3600, respectively) was predicted using CS and D' estimates from each 3MT. Eight runners performed 2 time trials in a single visit to assess real T1200 and T3600. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard errors of measurement were calculated for reliability analysis.

RESULTS

Good to excellent reliability was found for CS, T1200, and T3600 estimates from 3MT (ICC > .95, standard error of measurement between 1.3% and 2.2%), and poor reliability was found for D' (ICC = .55, standard error of measurement = 27%). Predictions from 3MT were significantly correlated to actual T1200 (r = .87 and .85 for test #1 and test #2, respectively) and T3600 (r = .91 and .82 for test #1 and test #2, respectively). The calculation of error prediction showed a systematic error between predicted and real T3600 (6.4% and 7.8% for test #1 and test #2, respectively, P < .01) contrary to T1200 (P > .1). Random error was between 4.4% and 6.1% for both distances.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low reliability of D', 3MT yielded a reliable predicted distance-time relationship allowing repeated measures to evidence change with training adaptation. However, caution should be taken with prediction of performance potential of a single individual because of substantial random error and significant underestimation of T3600.

Normative Standards for Isokinetic and Anthropometric Classifications of University-Level Netball Players

CONTEXT

The purpose of the study was to develop normative ranges and standards for knee and shoulder isokinetic and anthropometric values. These standards can be qualitatively interpreted and allow practitioners to classify isokinetic and anthropometric values more objectively for university-level netball players.

DESIGN

Posttest only observational study design. All players were only evaluated once during the in-season to generate normative ranges.

METHODS

A total of 51 female players volunteered. Participants were evaluated on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60° per second to obtain knee-extensor and knee-flexor values as well as shoulder-flexor and shoulder-extensor values. A total of 16 anthropometric variables were collected including stature, body mass, 8 skinfolds, and 6 circumferences. Between-group differences were calculated to determine whether playing level was a differentiating factor in data.

RESULTS

Normative standards were developed for isokinetic parameters associated with the knee and shoulder joints as well as skinfolds and circumference measures. No statistically significant between-group differences were evident (χ2Kruskal-Wallis[2] = 3.96, P = .140).

CONCLUSION

These standards can be used by coaches and practitioners to set attainable goals for individual players or those from secondary leagues, classify individual and team-based performances, and facilitate decision-making processes.

Application of the Force-velocity-power Concept to the 3-Min all-out Running Test

Force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling offers insights related to key factors that may enhance or hinder sprinting performances. Whether the same FVP principles could be applied to the sprinting portion of the 3-minute all-out test for running (3MT) has not been previously investigated. Twenty moderately trained participants volunteered for the study (age: 24.75 ± 3.58 yrs; height: 1.69±0.11 m; mass: 73.74±12.26 kg). After familiarization of all testing procedures, participants completed: (i) a 40-m all-out sprint test, and (ii) a 3MT. Theoretical maximal force and power, but not velocity, were significantly higher for the 40-m sprint test. Most FVP variables from the two tests were weakly to moderately correlated, with the exception of maximal velocity. Finally, maximal velocity and relative peak power were predictive of D', explaining approximately 51% of the variance in D'. Although similar maximal velocities are attained during both the 40-m sprint and the 3MT, the underlying mechanisms are markedly different. The FVP parameters obtained from either test are likely not interchangeable but do provide valuable insights regarding the potential mechanisms by which D' may be improved.

Physical activity during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is linked to better mood and emotion

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may negatively impact mood and emotion. Physical activity may protect against mood disturbance and promote positive affect. This study asked if physical activity before, during, or the change in physical activity with the pandemic, impacted affect and mood during the pandemic. US adult residents (18-74 years; N = 338) were surveyed from 29 April to 3 June 2020. Physical activity before and during the pandemic was assessed with the Physical Activity Rating survey. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule measured affect and the Profile of Moods Questionnaire assessed mood. Comparisons between physically inactive and active participants by Analysis of Covariance found greater vigour in participants classed as physically active before the pandemic. Positive affect, vigour and esteem-related affect were greater in participants physically active during the pandemic. Multiple linear regression revealed relationships between the change in physical activity and mood. Change in physical activity positively associated with positive affect (b = 1.06), esteem-related affect (b = 0.33) and vigour (b = 0.53), and negatively associated with negative affect (b = -0.47), total mood disturbance (b = -2.60), tension (b = -0.31), anger (b = -0.24), fatigue (b = -0.54), depression (b = -0.50) and confusion (b = -0.23). These data demonstrate that physical activity during the pandemic, and increased physical activity relative to before the pandemic, related to better mood.

Determining Validity of Critical Power Estimated Using a Three-Minute All-Out Test in Hot Environments

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heat on the validity of end-test power (EP) derived from a 3-min all-out test (3MT), which is considered as an alternative method for determining the conventional critical power. Twelve male cyclists were required to perform incremental exercise tests (IET) and 3MTs in both high temperature (HT; 35 °C) and thermoneutral temperature (NT; 22 °C) environments. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), and first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT₁ and VT₂, respectively) against the power output (wVO_2max, wVT₁, and wVT₂) were measured during IETs. EP was recorded during the 3MTs. A significant correlation was observed between wVT₂ and EP under NT (r = 0.674, p < 0.05) and under HT (r = 0.672, p < 0.05). However, wVO_2max, wVT₁, wVT₂, and EP were significantly higher in NT than in HT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although the physiological stress induced by HT might impair exercise performance, the EP derived from 3MT can validly estimate wVT₂ under HT conditions.