Running Critical Power: A Comparison Of Different Theoretical Models.

This study aimed (i) to compare the critical power (CP) and work capacity over CP (W´) values reported by the different CP models available in current analysis software packages (Golden Cheetah and Stryd platform), (ii) to locate the CP values in the power-duration curve (PDC), and (iii) to determine the influence of the CP model used on the W´ balance. Fifteen trained athletes performed four time trials (i. e., 3, 5, 10, 20 minutes) to define their PDC through different CP models: work-time (CP _work ), power-1/time (CP _1/time ), Morton hyperbolic (CP _hyp ), Stryd platform (CP _stryd ), and Bioenergetic Golden Cheetah (CP _Cheetah ). Three additional time trials were performed: two to locate the CP values in the PDC (30 and 60 minutes), and one to test the validity of the W' balance model (4 minutes). Significant differences (p<0.001) were reported between models for the estimated parameters (CP, W´). CP _cheetah was associated with the power output developed between 10 to 20 minutes, CP _1/time , CP _stryd CP _work and CP _hyp . The W´ reported by the three-parameter CP models overestimated the actual 4 minutes time to exhaustion, with CP _work (0.48 [- 0.19 to 1.16] minutes); and CP _1/time (0.40 [- 0.13 to 0.94] minutes) being the only valid models (p≥0.240).
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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