A "step-Ramp-Step" Protocol to Identify Running Speed and Power Associated with the Maximal Metabolic Steady State

Purpose A previously established Step-Ramp-Step (SRS) exercise protocol was able to accurately predict the work rate associated with the maximal metabolic steady state (MMSS) in cyclists. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a modified SRS protocol could predict the running speed and power associated with the MMSS. Methods Fifteen (8 male; 7 female) runners (VO2max 54.5 [6.5] mL·kg-1·min-1) were recruited for this investigation composed of four to five visits. In the first visit, runners performed a moderate intensity step (MOD), an incremental exercise test, and a heavy intensity step (HVY), on a motorized treadmill. This SRS protocol was used to predict the running speed and power associated with the MMSS (i.e., the SRS-MMSS), where running power was assessed by a wearable device (Stryd) attached to each runner's shoe. Subsequent visits were used to confirm the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) as a proxy measure of the MMSS (i.e., the MLSS-MMSS) and to validate the SRS-MMSS speed and power estimates. Results The estimated SRS-MMSS running speed (7.2 [0.6] mph) was significantly lower than confirmed running speed at MLSS-MMSS (7.5 [0.8] mph; bias = 3.6%, P = 0.005); however, the estimated SRS-MMSS running power (241 [35] W) was not different than the MLSS-MMSS confirmed running power (240 [37] W; bias = -0.6%; P = 0.435). VO2 at SRS-MMSS (3.22 [0.49] L·min-1) was not different than respiratory compensation point (3.26 [0.58] L·min-1; P = 0.430). Similarly, VO2 at MLSS-MMSS (3.30 [0.54] L·min-1) was not different than respiratory compensation point (P = 0.438). Conclusions The SRS protocol allows MMSS, as measured by MLSS, to be accurately determined using running power (Stryd), but not speed, in a single laboratory visit.