NCT06216314

Effects of Race Pace Based Approach in Recreational Runners

Effects of Race Pace Based Approach on the Performance of Recreational Runners: a Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 28 (actual)
• Sponsor: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aim of the study was to compare the performance effects of the intensity demarcation model based on the race pace based approach with the triphasic physiological model and heart rate variability guidelines (HR+HRV)

Detailed description

After being informed and signing informed consent about the present study, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups before the intervention phase using a Web-based computer program (www.randomizer.org). Groups were matched on a 1:1:1 basis by gender, age, and performance in an official 10-km race in the previous month. Once selected, participants in the heart rate variability (HRV) group began daily measurements to obtain their personalized parameters. The groups changed according to the intensity zone demarcation pattern: heart rate (HR), race pace (RP) and HR+HRV. The HR group was considered the active control group, as considered the current best practice according to the current literature in endurance running. A 4-week pre-intervention plus 6-week intervention program was set up. Participants were assessed in four different sessions, two for laboratory evaluations and two for time trial performance. The first session consisted of a running economy test, and, after at least half an hour of rest, a maximal incremental treadmill run. They familiarised themselves with the training sessions according to their group (i.e., running based on HR, RP or HR+HRV guidelines, respectively). The HRV4training mobile application (https://www.hrv4training.com) was used to assess HRV for one minute in the morning. The difference in RR intervals between heartbeats is used to calculate HRV. The program then uses this information to calculate the rMSSD and moving average (LnrMSSD7-d), converting the results to a number between 5 and 10. Then, the participant must answer a series of questions including his or her current physical state, sleep quality, muscle soreness, etc. After interpolating these variables, the application shows the subjective value derived from the body's reaction to stresses. As a result, daily indications are given in numerical form, with a range of normality (for HR and HRV) that varies each day depending on how the person reacts to stress. Participants were instructed to take the measurement as soon as they woke up, with an empty bladder, lying down, trying to limit movement, and breathing naturally Training variables (total time, distance, total time spent in each zone) and Training Impulse (TRIMP) were the same for all groups

Conditions

• Healthy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Heart rate (HR)	Runners ran according to speeds and HR associated with ventilatory thresholds. Z1, zone 1: intensity zone below the first ventilatory threshold; Z2: zone 2, intensity zone between the first and second ventilatory threshold; Z3: zone 3, intensity zone above the second ventilatory threshold.
OTHER	Race pace based approach (RP)	Runners ran respecting three intensity zones. The average speed achieved in the 7-km was calculated. From this, three intensity zones were calculated, adhering to the % of the race pace of the 7-km test. Z1 corresponds to less than 80% of race pace, Z2 is between 80-95%, and Z3 corresponds to over 95% of race pace
OTHER	Heart rate + heart rate variability (HRV)	Runners completed training sessions based on HR values and velocities associated with ventilatory thresholds (i.e., Z1, zone 1: intensity zone below the first ventilatory threshold; Z2: zone 2, intensity zone between the first and second ventilatory threshold; Z3: zone 3, intensity zone above the second ventilatory threshold. The training sessions were based on physiological thresholds and daily HRV cues. High-intensity training was performed only under optimal HRV conditions, thus only when each participant had HRV values in their reference range. If HRV was not optimal, low-intensity training was prescribed. If HRV was not optimal for two days consecutively, rest was prescribed.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-04-20
• Primary completion: 2023-06-30
• Completion: 2023-07-15
• First posted: 2024-01-22
• Last updated: 2024-01-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Spain