Research article - (2013)12, 165 - 170
Intermittent versus Continuous Incremental Field Tests: Are Maximal Variables Interchangeable?
Lorival J. Carminatti1,2, Carlos A. P. Possamai1, Marcelo de Moraes1, Juliano F. da Silva2,, Ricardo D. de Lucas1,2, Naiandra Dittrich2, Luiz G. A. Guglielmo2
1Health Sciences and Sports Center, State University of Santa Catarina, Human Performance Research Laboratory, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
2Sports Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Physical Effort Laboratory, Florianópolis, Brazil

Juliano F. da Silva
✉ Sports Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Physical Effort Laboratory, Florianópolis, Brazil
Email: jufesi23@yahoo.com.br
Received: 19-09-2012 -- Accepted: 01-02-2013
Published (online): 01-03-2013

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to compare physiological responses derived from an incremental progressive field test with a constant speed test i.e. intermittent versus continuous protocol. Two progressive maximum tests (Carminatti`s test (T-CAR) and the Vameval test (T-VAM)), characterized by increasing speed were used. T-CAR is an intermittent incremental test, performed as shuttle runs; while T-VAM is a continuous incremental test performed on an athletic track. Eighteen physically active, healthy young subjects (21.9 ± 2.0 years; 76.5 ± 8.6 kg, 1.78 ± 0.08 m, 11.2 ± 5.4% body fat), volunteered for this study. Subjects performed four different maximum test sessions conducted in the field: two incremental tests and two time to exhaustion tests (TTE) at peak test velocities (PV). No significant differences were found for PV (T-CAR = 15.6 ± 1.2; T-VAM = 15.5 ± 1.3 km·h-1) and maximal HR (T-CAR = 195 ± 11; T- VAM = 194 ± 14 bpm). During TTE, there were no significant differences for HR (TTET-CAR and TTET-VAM = 192 ± 12 bpm). However, there was a significant difference in TTE (p = 0.04) (TTET-CAR = 379 ± 84, TTET-VAM = 338 ± 58 s) with a low correlation (r = 0.41). The blood lactate concentration measured at the end of the TTE tests, showed no significant difference (TTET-CAR = 13.2 ± 2.4 vs. TTET-VAM = 12.9 ± 2.4 mmol·l-1). Based on the present findings, it is suggested that the maximal variables derived from T-CAR and T-VAM can be interchangeable in the design of training programs.

Key words: Peak velocity, field test, aerobic evaluation, continuous versus intermittent exercise testing, exercise prescription

Key Points
  • T-CAR is an intermittent shuttle run test that predicts the maximal aerobic speed with accuracy, hence, test results could be interchangeable with continuous straight-line tests.
  • T-CAR provides valid field data for evaluating aerobic fitness.
  • In comparison with T-VAM, T-CAR may be a more favourable way to prescribe intermittent training using a shuttle-running protocol.








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