Introduction: Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and/or speed at second ventilatory threshold (sVT2) are physiological landmarks widely used to optimize training prescription in aerobically dominant sports. However, accurate measurements of those variables are time consuming and expensive, as they are often performed during in-lab tests with VO2 measurements. In contrast, filed tests, such as the 12 minutes running Cooper test, which is used to estimate VO2, are simple and easily accessible. However, to date, no field test has been developed to specifically estimate sVT2. Furthermore, MAS and sVT2 also depend on running economy (RE). RE is influenced by several running biomechanical parameters (BP) rarely taken in account in ecological tests. The aim of this study was thus to test if a model considering BP alteration, in addition to speed during a Cooper test can enable a more accurate prediction of MAS and sVT2 than Cooper test alone.
Methods: 20 competitive runners performed a lab treadmill test and completed a Cooper test equipped with inertial measurement unit measuring BP two weeks later.
Results: Models developed including 53 BP and Cooper Speed had a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0,23-0,31 km∙h-1 and 0,29-0,64 km∙h-1 for MAS and sVT2 prediction, respectively, when compared to treadmill laboratory test.
Conclusion: MAS and sVT2 can be accurately predicted with a model including BP and speed on Cooper test. BP alteration is important to predict MAS and sVT2.