Peak velocity and its time limit are as good as the velocity associated with VO for training prescription in runners.

This study compared the effects of 4 weeks of training prescribed by peak velocity (V ) or velocity associated with maximum oxygen uptake (vVO ) in moderately trained endurance runners. Study participants were 14 runners (18-35 years) randomized into 2 groups, named group VO (GVO ) and group V (GVP). The GVO had training prescribed by vVO and its time limit (t ), whereas the GVP had training prescribed by V and its t . Four tests were performed on a treadmill: 2 maximum incremental for V and vVO and 2 for their t . Performance (10 km) was evaluated on a 400 m track. Evaluations were repeated after 4 weeks of endurance training. The results showed a significant effect of training on V [GVP (16.7±1.2 17.6±1.5 km h ), GVO (17.1±1.9-17.7±1.6 km·h )]; vVO [GVP (16.4±1.4-17.0±1.3 km·h ), GVO (17.2±1.7-17.5±1.9 km·h )]; and 10 km performance [GVP (41.3±2.4-39.9±2.7 min), GVO (40.1±3.4-39.2±2.9 min)]. The V highly correlated with performance in both pre- and post-training in GVP (-0.97;-0.86) and GVO (-0.95;-0.94), as well as with vVO in GVP (-0.82;-0.88) and GVO (-0.99; -0.98). It is concluded that training prescribed by V promoted similar improvements compared to training prescribed by vVO . The use of V is recommended due to its practical application and the low cost of determination.