The individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), individual glucose threshold (IGT), critical velocity (CV), and the velocity associated to VO2max (Vmax) and to 3,000 m running performance (Vm3km) have been used for the aerobic evaluation and exercise prescription in runners. However, a comparison of these variables and their usefulness for physically active non-athletes individuals were not investigated yet. The objectives of this study were to compare and to verify the relationship between Vmax, Vm3km, CV, IAT and IGT in physically active non-athlete individuals. Eleven healthy and physically active individuals (20.7 ± 1.8 yr., 74.2 ± 14.5 kg, 48.9 ± 5.8 mlO2.kg.min-1), randomly accomplished to the following running tests on different days: 1) 3,000 m performance for Vm3km; 2) an all-out 500 m running track and 3) an incremental treadmill test for IAT, IGT, VO2max and Vmax determination. The CV was determined by linear regression (distance-time relation) by using the 3,000 m and 500 m running tests. The running velocities corresponding to IAT, IGT, Vmax, Vm3km and CV were 184.8 ± 27.7; 182.8 ± 27.9; 211.1 ± 30; 213.4 ± 32.2 and 199.8 ± 30.4 m.min-1, respectively. Despite the high correlation between the parameters studied, the CV overestimated the IAT and IGT (P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were verified between Vmax and Vm3km (P > 0.05). We concluded that the Vm3km can be used for Vmax estimation and that CV identification on track may be useful for aerobic evaluation as well as for delimiting the high to severe exercise intensity domains. However, the CV does not seem be a good estimation of anaerobic threshold for physically active individuals.
Individual anaerobic threshold; Individual glucose threshold; Critical velocity; Vmax; Performance
