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 ((V) over dotO(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) (V) over dotO(2max)(V) over dotO(2)-kinetics was calculated across four 5-min running bouts at 10 km center dot h(-1). Two CPs [1 km center dot h(-1) per min (CP1) and 1 km center dot h(-1) every 2-min (CP2)] were performed to determine V-max(V) over dotO(2max), lactate-threshold and submaximal (V) over dotO(2)/velocity relationship. Results were compared to the discontinuous incremental protocol (DP). Results V-max, (V) over dotO(2max), (V) over dotCO(2) and VE were higher [(P < 0.05,(ES:0.22/2.59)] in HI than in LO. (V) over dotO(2)-kinetics was faster [P < 0.05,(ES:-2.74/ - 1.76)] in HI than in LO. (V) over dotO(2)/velocity slope was lower in HI than in LO [(P < 0.05,(ES:-1.63/ - 0.18)]. V-max and (V) over dotO(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, (V) over dotO(2max) and lactate-threshold and a very large correlation with (V) over dotO(2)-kinetics. Conclusions Higher aerobic training status witnessed by faster (V) over dotO(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.