Heart rate running speed relationships-during exhaustive bouts in the laboratory.

The present study was designed to investigate the heart rate-running speed (HR-RS) relationship while exercising continuously, at high intensities, on a treadmill. The purpose was to precisely measure the magnitude of drop in RS necessary to maintain HR during intense exhaustive exercises, and to determine whether the magnitude of drop in RS is directly dependent on exercise intensity. Sixteen male endurance athletes performed five treadmill tests: an incremental test for maximal O2 uptake and maximum aerobic velocity (VMA), and four exhaustive tests: at 82, 86, 89, and 92 % VMA.