Abstract
This study compared the effects of 4 weeks of training prescribed by peak velocity (V (peak) ) or velocity associated with maximum oxygen uptake (vVO (2max) ) in moderately trained endurance runners. Study participants were 14 runners (18-35 years) randomized into 2 groups, named group VO (2) (GVO (2) ) and group V (peak) (GVP). The GVO (2) had training prescribed by vVO (2max) and its time limit (t (lim) ), whereas the GVP had training prescribed by V (peak) and its t (lim) . Four tests were performed on a treadmill: 2 maximum incremental for V (peak) and vVO (2max) and 2 for their t (lim) . Performance (10 km) was evaluated on a 400 m track. Evaluations were repeated after 4 weeks of endurance training. The results showed a significant effect of training on V (peak) [GVP (16.7±1.2 - 17.6±1.5 km (.) h (-1) ), GVO (2) (17.1±1.9-17.7±1.6 km·h (-1) )]; vVO (2max) [GVP (16.4±1.4-17.0±1.3 km·h (-1) ), GVO (2) (17.2±1.7-17.5±1.9 km·h (-1) )]; and 10 km performance [GVP (41.3±2.4-39.9±2.7 min), GVO (2) (40.1±3.4-39.2±2.9 min)]. The V (peak) highly correlated with performance in both pre- and post-training in GVP (-0.97;-0.86) and GVO (2) (-0.95;-0.94), as well as with vVO (2max) in GVP (-0.82;-0.88) and GVO (2) (-0.99; -0.98). It is concluded that training prescribed by V (peak) promoted similar improvements compared to training prescribed by vVO (2max) . The use of V (peak) is recommended due to its practical application and the low cost of determination.