Identification of the anaerobic threshold and training variables between runners and triathletes

Abstract

Introduction: the concepts of anaerobic threshold (AT), as well adaptations to aerobic training, are grounds for research and discussion in scientific circles. However, few studies have set out to compare the parameter of AT in two distinct groups, but with similar training. Objectives: this study sought to evaluate the AT in runners and triathletes, through laboratory methods, and test for differences in speed and heart rate at the threshold. Methods: Two groups participated in this study: six runners and six triathletes, both groups male. The treadmill test to determine the AT was an incremental protocol, where the speed was increased by 1.2 km/h-1 every three minutes. At the end of each stage was carried out blood collection and heart rate. The AT determination was made by visual analysis of the lactate curve, using the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Results: we found a statistically significant difference, and the runners reached the threshold with the average speed of 17.8 ± 1.4 km/h-1, while triathletes reached 16.4 ± 0.8 km/h-1. Conclusion: even with the adjustment in the test protocol, the applied model proved to be very efficient to identify the AT, presenting thus an alternative to the determination of this parameter.