Smith, T. P., McNaughton, L. R., & Marshall, K. J. (1999). Effects of 4-wk training using Vmax/Tmax on VO2max and performance in athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31, 892-896.

This study determined the effects on endurance of a 4-week individualized training program using Vmax (the speed at which an athlete performs when VO2max is elicited) as the exercise intensity, and using between 60 and 75% of a S's Tmax (time spent at Vmax) as the exercise duration. Male, middle-distance, trained Ss (N = 5) completed a 3000-m time trial, and three each of VO2max/Vmax and Tmax tests before training commenced. Ss then completed a 4-week training program on a treadmill and were then retested on the VO2max/Vmax and Tmax tests and the time trial.

Training produced significant increases in average, Tmax, and VO2max. A 3000-m time trial decreased significantly from a pretraining value of 616.6 s to a post-training value of 599.6 seconds.

This study showed that using between 60 and 75% of Tmax as an exercise duration and using Vmax as an exercise intensity can be valuable in the prescription of exercise programs for athletes.

Implication. Endurance performances improve when Vmax is the prescribed intensity and 60-75% Tmax as the duration.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.