Abstract
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Abstract
This systematic review provides a synthesis of research investigating submaximal
protocols to monitor changes in cardiocirculatory fitness in running-based
sports. Following PRISMA guidelines, 2,452 records were identified and 14
studies, representing 515 athletes, satisfied the eligibility criteria. While
most studies found large associations between changes in heart rate at
standardized, submaximal running speeds and changes in aerobic fitness
(r=0.51–0.88), three studies failed to establish a relationship
(r=0.19–0.35). The intensity of the submaximal protocols seems
to be relevant, with changes in running speeds at 90% of maximal heart
rate showing larger relationships with changes in aerobic fitness
(r=0.52–0.79) compared to 70% of maximal heart rate
(r=0.24–0.52). Conversely, changes in post-exercise heart rate
variability were very largely associated with changes in aerobic fitness when
the testing protocols were less intense (70% of maximal heart rate)
(r=0.76–0.88), but not when the test required participants to
achieve 90% of their maximal heart rate
(r=−0.02–0.06). Studies on post-exercise heart rate
recovery revealed inconclusive results (r=−0.01–
−0.55), while rate of heart rate increase may be a promising athlete
monitoring metric (r=0.08– −0.84) but requires further
research. In summary, when executed, analyzed, and interpreted appropriately,
submaximal protocols can provide valuable information regarding changes in
athlete cardiocirculatory fitness.
Key words
non-invasive -
invisible -
endurance -
team sports
Supplementary Material
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Publication History
Received: 08 June 2022
Accepted: 08 August 2022
Article published online:
04 November 2022
© 2022. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by
Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and
reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents
may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or
built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
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Description
This review synthesizes research on submaximal protocols for monitoring cardiocirculatory fitness.