Abstract
The aims of this study were (i) to estimate the functional threshold power (FTP)
and critical power (CP) from single shorter time trials (TTs) (i. e. 10,
20 and 30 minutes) and (ii) to assess their location in the
power-duration curve. Fifteen highly trained athletes randomly performed ten TTs
(i. e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 60 minutes). FTP was
determined as the mean power output developed in the 60-min TT, while CP was
estimated in the running power meter platform according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. The linear regression analysis revealed
an acceptable FTP estimate for the 10, 20 and 30-min TTs
(SEE≤12.27 W) corresponding to a correction factor of 85, 90 and
95%, respectively. An acceptable CP estimate was only observed for the
20-min TT (SEE=6.67 W) corresponding to a correction factor of
95%. The CP was located at the 30-min power output (1.0 [–5.1 to
7.1] W), which was over FTP (14 [7.0 to 21] W). Therefore, athletes and
practitioners concerned with determining FTP and CP through a feasible testing
protocol are encouraged to perform a 20-min TT and apply a correction factor of
90 and 95%, respectively.
Key words
monitoring - power - long-distance running
