Rowell, A. L., Williams, C. S., & Hill, D. W. (1996). Critical velocity is minimal velocity. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 28(5), Supplement abstract 101.

In theory, performance critical velocity (CV) is the highest performance velocity that can be sustained without fatigue. Minimal performance velocity (MV) is the highest velocity that will not elicit VO2max.

In this study there was no difference between CV and MV. Therefore, CV defines the threshold where VO2 is a function of both intensity and duration above which exercise of sufficient duration will elicit VO2max.

Implication. CV is the speed of performance that is higher than anaerobic threshold but lower than VO2max intensity.

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