Abstract
The purposes of this study were to determine and to compare the critical power concept
adapted for the specific table tennis test (critical frequency – Cf ) estimated from 5 mathematical models and using 2 different exhaustion criteria
(voluntary and technical exhaustions). Also, it was an aim to assess the relationship
between Cf estimated from mathematical models and respiratory compensation point (RCP), peak
oxygen uptake (V˙ O2PEAK ) and minimal intensity at which V˙ O2PEAK (f V˙O2PEAK ) appears. 9 male table tennis players [18(1) years; 62.3(4.4) kg] performed the maximal
incremental test and 3–4 exhaustive exercise bouts to estimate Cf s (balls · min−1 ). The exhaustion time and Cf obtained were independent of the exhaustion criteria. The Cf from 3-parameter model [45.2(7.0)-voluntary, 43.2(5.6)-technical] was lower than
Cf estimated by linear 2-parameter models, frequency-time−1 [53.5(3.6)-voluntary, 53.5(3.5)-technical] and total ball thrown-time [52.2(3.5)-voluntary,
52.2(3.5)-technical] but significantly correlated. Cf values from 2 linear models were significantly correlated with RCP [47.4(3.4) balls · min−1 ], and Cf values of the linear and nonlinear models were correlated with f V˙O2PEAK [56.7(3.4) balls · min−1 ]. However, there were no significant correlations between Cf values and V˙ O2PEAK [49.8(1.1)ml · kg−1 · min−1 ]. The results were not modified by exhaustion criteria. The 2 linear and non-linear
2-parameter models can be used to estimate aerobic endurance in specific table tennis
tests.
Key words
critical frequency - specific test - peak oxygen uptake
References
max and exercise tolerance.
Med Sci Sports Exerc.
2010;
in press
Correspondence
azagatto@yahoo.com.br
