Associations between physical activity and health-related fitness – volume versus pattern

Approximately 3.2 million people die of non-communicable diseases (NCD) each year due to insufficient physical activity. Physical activity guidelines are possibly perceived as too demanding and might thus pose a barrier. We addressed the question if a more stable physical activity pattern is associated with higher levels of health-related fitness than one with high and low intensities, regardless of the physical activity level (PAL). Physical activity was objectively measured in 296 men and women (53.7 ± 8.94 years) with the SenseWear Pro Armband^®. Using this data, the PAL and a Gini index were calculated to report the physical activity pattern. Health-related fitness was expressed as a fitness index. PAL was weakly correlated to health-related fitness (r = 0.38, P < .0001). The Gini index was also weakly correlated to the fitness index (r = 0.23, P < .0001). Results of the ANCOVA showed that participants in the first quartile of PAL always scored significantly lower for health-related fitness than participants in quartile four, after adjustment for the Gini index. These results suggest that as long as the volume of physical activity is high, health-related fitness will be high as well, independent of the physical activity pattern or variability in intensities throughout the day.     

The use of individualized speed and intensity thresholds for determining the distance run at high-intensity in professional soccer

Abstract

As with other match analysis systems, ProZone® uses an absolute speed threshold to identify running speeds at “high-intensity”. In this study, we examined the use of an individualized high-intensity speed threshold based on the speed at the second ventilatory threshold (VT_2speed) for assessment of the distance run at high-intensity during matches. Ten professional soccer players completed a maximal treadmill test to determine VT_2speed. Match data were identified by means of the ProZone® match analysis system. The distances run at high-intensity during matches were calculated using the default value (19.8 km · h^?1) and VT_2speed. Differences between VT_2speed and the default were analysed using a non-parametric median sign test. The distances run at high-intensity were compared with a paired t-test. The median VT_2speed was 15 km · h^?1 (range 14–16 km · h^?1), which was less than the default (P < 0.01). Mean distance run at high-intensity based on the default and VT_2speed was 845 m (s = 296) and 2258 m (s = 707), respectively [mean difference 1413 m; P < 0.001 (95% CI: 1037–1789 m)]. The high-intensity running speeds based on the second ventilatory threshold are substantially less than that used as the default within the ProZone® match analysis system, thus the distance run at high-intensity can be substantially underestimated.     

Comparison of Body Composition Estimates among Norland Elite®, Lunar iDXA®, and the BodPod® in Overweight to Obese Adults

ABSTRACT

Accurate body composition assessment, which includes fat mass (adipose tissue mass, FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percent fat mass (%FM) is needed to evaluate health and treatment efficacy. The current study compared body composition estimates obtained from the Norland Elite® DXA, BodPod®, and iDXA® before and after a12-week exercise intervention in adults (n=30, BMI 25–35 kg/m²) . Bland-Altman methods determined mean bias and limits of agreement for FM, %FM, and FFM between methods. Compared to the iDXA® and BodPod®, Elite® overestimated BF% and FM (P < .01). FFM was similar between iDXA® and Elite® but lower in Elite® than BodPod® (P < .01). There were no differences between methods in changes in FM or FFM after the exercise intervention. Prior to this study, it was unknown how the Norland Elite®, a DXA model marketed to bariatric surgery patients, compared to other common body composition assessment methodologies..     

Running speed increases plantar load more than per cent body weight on an AlterG® treadmill

AlterG® treadmills allow for running at different speeds as well as at reduced bodyweight (BW), and are used during rehabilitation to reduce the impact load. The aim of this study was to quantify plantar loads borne by the athlete during rehabilitation. Twenty trained male participants ran on the AlterG® treadmill in 36 conditions: all combinations of indicated BW (50–100%) paired with different walking and running speeds (range 6–16 km · hr^–1) in a random order. In-shoe maximum plantar force (Fmax) was recorded using the Pedar-X system. Fmax was lowest at the 6 km · hr^–1 at 50% indicated BW condition at 1.02 ± 0.21BW and peaked at 2.31 ± 0.22BW for the 16 km · hr^–1 at 100% BW condition. Greater increases in Fmax were seen when increasing running speed while holding per cent BW constant than the reverse (0.74BW–0.91BW increase compared to 0.19–0.31BW). A table is presented with each of the 36 combinations of BW and running speed to allow a more objective progression of plantar loading during rehabilitation. Increasing running speed rather than increasing indicated per cent BW was shown to have the strongest effect on the magnitude of Fmax across the ranges of speeds and indicated per cent BWs examined.     

Runners do not push off the ground but fall forwards via a gravitational torque

The relationship between the affect and timing of the four forces involved in running (gravity, ground reaction force, muscle force, and potential strain energy) is presented. These forces only increase horizontal acceleration of the centre of mass during stance but not flight. The current hierarchical models of running are critiqued because they do not show gravity, a constant force, in affect during stance. A new gravitational model of running is developed, which shows gravity as the motive force. Gravity is shown to cause a torque as the runner's centre of mass moves forward of the support foot. Ground reaction force is not a motive force but operates according to Newton's third law; therefore, the ground can only propel a runner forward in combination with muscle activity. However, leg and hip extensor muscles have consistently proven to be silent during leg extension (mid-terminal stance). Instead, high muscle–tendon forces at terminal stance suggest elastic recoil regains most of the centre of mass's height. Therefore, the only external motive force from mid-terminal stance is gravity via a gravitational torque, which causes a horizontal displacement. The aim of this paper is to establish a definitive biomechanical technique (Pose^® method) that is easily taught to runners (Romanov, 2002 Romanov, N. 2002. Dr. Nicholas Romanov's Pose method of running, Miami: PoseTech.  [Google Scholar]): falling forwards via a gravitational torque while pulling the support foot rapidly from the ground using the hamstring muscles.     

Energy expenditure in professional flat jockeys using doubly labelled water during the racing season: Implications for body weight management

To formulate individualized dietary strategies for jockeys, it is vital that energy requirements are quantified. We measured total energy expenditure (TEE) over two separate weeks in spring and summer using doubly labelled water in a group of male flat jockeys (n?=?8, 36.9?±?5.7 years, 164?±?8?cm, 54.6?±?2.5?kg). Total energy intake (TEI) was self-recorded, as were all riding and structured exercise activity. Mean daily TEE was 10.83 (±2.3) and 10.66 (±1.76) MJ, (p?=?.61) respectively. Self-reported TEI were 6.03 (±1.7) and 5.37 (±1.1) MJ (p?=?.40), respectively, and were significantly lower than TEE (p?=?.01). Mean race rides were 17 (±6) and 13 (±3; p?=?0.37) and horses ridden at morning exercise were 8 (±6) and 7 (±4; p?=?.77) respectively. Additional structured exercise was 76.25 (±95.1) and 52.5 (±80.9) min per week (p?=?.35), respectively. At the individual level, TEE was related to body mass and the level of non-racing physical activity, but not riding. Physical activity levels for TEE were 1.76 (±0.37) and 1.69 (±0.27; p?=?.59) and appear modest when compared with other athletes, and similar to age-matched non-athletes, suggesting that conventional sport-specific nutritional recommendations do not appear applicable. The large discrepancy between TEE and TEI suggests significant under reporting of dietary intake. These data now provide an appropriate framework from which to formulate jockey nutritional guidelines to promote the ability to achieve the daily weight target and improve athlete welfare.     

Sex-differences in elite-performance track and field competition from 1983 to 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the veracity of the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s assertion that sex-differences in athletic performance in elite-standard track and field competition is of the order of 10–12%. Exponential curves were fitted to the data of selected track and field events of the finals of all IAAF World Championships and Olympic Games from 1983 to 2016. For each curve, the coefficient of determination R² was calculated, in combination the corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the curve constants. Sex-differences were evaluated via differences in the fitted curves between men and women. Mean performances of winners, as well as overall performance means of all participants, were also analyzed. The calculated sex-difference was 8.2 ± 1.0% – 11.8 ± 2.1% for sprints, 10.3 ± 3.3% – 12.8 ± 4.0% for middle and long-distance events, 9.7 ± 2.9% – 13.1 ± 2.9% for relays and 14.2 ± 2.2% – 25.0 ± 4.4% for jumps. This study therefore confirms that the percentage difference accepted by the CAS is appropriate for elite-standard track and field events.     

Comparison of heart rate monitoring with indirect calorimetry for energy expenditure evaluation

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare established methods with newly-developed methods for estimating the total energy expenditure (TEE).MethodsThe study subjects comprised 46 individuals, including 16 middle-aged men (mean age 51.4 years), 14 middle-aged women (mean age 49.9 years) and 16 young women (mean age 19.1 years). The TEE was estimated from 24-h heart rate (HR) data using newly-developed software (MoveSense HRAnalyzer 2011a, RC1, Suunto Oy, Vantaa, Finland), and was compared against the TEE determined using doubly labeled water (DLW). Agreement between the two methods was analyzed using Bland and Altman plots.ResultsThe HR method yielded similar TEE values as the DLW method at the group level, with an average of 8.6 kcal/day in the difference in the mean, but with large individual variations. Forty-four (96%) out of 46 subjects fell within ±2SD of the mean difference in TEE comparisons, and there was no tendency towards under- or over-estimation.ConclusionOur results indicate that the current software using HR analysis for the estimation of daily TEE needs further development for use with free-living individuals.     

Development of an accelerometer-based multivariate model to predict free-living energy expenditure in a large military cohort

Abstract

This study developed a multivariate model to predict free-living energy expenditure (EE) in independent military cohorts. Two hundred and eighty-eight individuals (20.6 ± 3.9 years, 67.9 ± 12.0 kg, 1.71 ± 0.10 m) from 10 cohorts wore accelerometers during observation periods of 7 or 10 days. Accelerometer counts (PAC) were recorded at 1-minute epochs. Total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) were derived using the doubly labelled water technique. Data were reduced to n = 155 based on wear-time. Associations between PAC and EE were assessed using allometric modelling. Models were derived using multiple log-linear regression analysis and gender differences assessed using analysis of covariance. In all models PAC, height and body mass were related to TEE (P < 0.01). For models predicting TEE (r ² = 0.65, SE = 462 kcal · d^?1 (13.0%)), PAC explained 4% of the variance. For models predicting PAEE (r ² = 0.41, SE = 490 kcal · d^?1 (32.0%)), PAC accounted for 6% of the variance. Accelerometry increases the accuracy of EE estimation in military populations. However, the unique nature of military life means accurate prediction of individual free-living EE is highly dependent on anthropometric measurements.     

Validity of equations for estimating aerobic fitness in Mexican youth

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of prediction equations for estimating maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) based on the PACER test and different adiposity indicators in Mexican youth. A convenience sample of youth aged 9–18 years from schools in Mexico City was recruited. VO_2peak was evaluated with a laboratory exercise test on a treadmill and using a gas analyser and with the 20-m PACER test guidelines. The sample was randomly divided to develop new equations (n = 220) and to evaluate their validity (n = 106). Prediction equations of VO_2peak were developed using multiple linear regression models. The adiposity indicators were BMI, waist circumference and body fat. The validity of the new and previously published equations was evaluated based on linear regression models, intra-class coefficient, Akaike’s information criterion, mean absolute percentage error and Bland-Altman graphs. Equations with waist circumference and body fat performed better than those with BMI and without any anthropometric indicator. The accuracy of the developed equations (R² = 57.0%–59.50%) was higher than that of previously published equations (R² = 24.1%–56.0%). The new equations had lower bias in estimating VO_2peak. In Mexican youth, the estimation of VO_2peak from the 20-m PACER test is more accurate after including waist circumference or body fat than with BMI.     

Specificity of a Maximal Step Exercise Test

To adhere to the principle of “exercise specificity” exercise testing should be completed using the same physical activity that is performed during exercise training. The present study was designed to assess whether aerobic step exercisers have a greater maximal oxygen consumption (max VO₂) when tested using an activity specific, maximal step exercise test (SET; arms and legs) versus a maximal running test (legs only). Female aerobic step exercisers (N=18; 20.7 ± 1.5 years) performed three maximal graded exercise tests (GXTs): 2 SETs; 1 treadmill test (TMT). The SET consisted of six 3-min progressive stages of alternate lead, basic step, basic step with biceps curls, knee raise with pull-down, repeater knee with pull-down, lateral lunge with pull-down, and side squat with shoulder presses. Stepping rate was 32 steps· min^?1 on an 8-in (20.32 cm) step for stages 1–3, and a 10-in (25.4 cm) step for stages 4–6. Submaximal and maximal heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO₂) were recorded at the end of each stage. Test–retest reliability for the first five stages of the SET ranged from .91 to .97 for HR, and from .84 to .96 for VO₂. Maximal HR was significantly greater (p =.0001) for the SET (200 ± 6.2 beats·min^?1) as compared to the TMT (193 ± 7.9 beats·min^?1). No significant difference was found for max VO₂ (42.9 ± 8.5, 41.2 ± 5.9 ml·kg^?1·min^?1, p =.14). The SET was a valid and reliable protocol for assessing responses of these aerobic step exercisers; however, max VO₂ from a TMT did not differ significantly from the SET. Conversely, max HR obtained from the criterion TMT was 7 beats·min^?1 lower than from the SET. If a training HR for step exercise (arms and legs exercise) is prescribed based on the max HR from treadmill exercise (legs only), then the training HR should be calculated from a TMT max HR that has been increased by 7 beats·min^?1 to obtain an intensity of step exercise comparable to that of running.     

Physiological load associated with a Zumba® fitness workout: a comparison pilot study between classes and a DVD

The objectives were to compare the metabolic load elicited by Zumba^® classes and DVD workouts and link the physiological responses to participants’ psychological characteristics. Fifteen women (25.4 ± 4.3 years old; 164.9 ± 5.1 cm; 56.9 ± 5.8 kg; 23.9 ± 4.9% body fat) performed three Zumba^® classes and three Zumba^® DVD workouts using a repeated measure design. Energy expenditure was assessed by extrapolating oxygen cost from heart rate (HR) using regressions from a preliminary incremental running test. Differences between Zumba^® classes and Zumba^® DVD workouts were assessed by Student’s T tests and repeated measures analysis of variance and correlations between physiological and psychological variables by the Pearson’s coefficient. Results showed that Zumba^® classes allowed greater energy expenditure compared to Zumba^® DVD workouts (6.8 ± 0.9 vs 5.6 ± 0.9 kcal · min^?1, 95% confidence interval (CI) limits: 0.3–2.1, P = 0.016), with significant differences in the time spent with a HR above 85% of HR reserve (14.7 vs 1.7%, 95% CI: 5.6–20.4, P = 0.021). Furthermore, women with a greater autonomy score showed a smaller difference between DVD and class (r = 0.511, P = 0.048), while greater differences were shown in women with greater interpersonal skills (r = ?0.563, P = 0.028). The results suggest that while both types of workouts are suitable to maintain fitness Zumba^® classes allow greater energy expenditure.     

The relationship between critical speed and the respiratory compensation point: Coincidence or equivalence

Abstract

It has previously been suggested that the respiratory compensation point (RCP) and critical speed (CS) parameters are equivalent and, therefore, like CS, RCP demarcates the boundary between the heavy- and severe-intensity domains. However, these findings are equivocal and therefore must be interpreted cautiously. Thus, we examined the relationship between CS and RCP across a wide range of subject fitness levels, in an attempt to determine if CS and RCP are equivalent. Forty men and 30 women (age: 23.2 ± 2.5 year, height: 174 ± 10 cm, body mass: 74.1 ± 15.7 kg) completed an incremental and four constant-speed protocols on a treadmill. RCP was determined as the point at which the minute ventilation increased disproportionately to CO₂ production and the end-tidal CO₂ partial pressure began to decrease. CS was determined from the constant-speed protocols using the linearized 1·time^?1 model. CS and RCP, expressed as speed or metabolic rate, were not significantly different (11.7 ± 2.3 km·h^?1 vs. 11.5 ± 2.3 km·h^?1, p = 0.208; 2.88 ± 0.80 l·min^?1 vs. 2.83 ± 0.72 l·min^?1, p = 0.293) and were significantly correlated (r² = 0.52, p < 0.0001; r² = 0.74, p < 0.0001, respectively). However, there was a high degree of variability between the parameters. The findings of the current study indicate that, while on average CS and RCP were not different, the high degree of variability between these parameters does not permit accurate estimation of one from the other variable and suggests that these parameters may not be physiologically equivalent.     

Physical Activity Indicators,Metabolic Biomarkers,and Comorbidity in Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study aimed (1) to compare physical activity (PA) indicators, metabolic biomarkers, and comorbidity, (2) to investigate the relationship between PA indicators and metabolic biomarkers, comorbidity and (3) to identify barriers to PA in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who are using oral hypoglycaemic agent (OHA) or combined OHA and insulin (OHAiN). Methods: Sixty-one patients were classified as patients using only OHA or combined OHAiN. Metabolic biomarkers (waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, comorbidity and PA indicators (self-reported PA, number of steps (NOS), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD)) were assessed. PA perceptions and reasons for inactivity were questioned. Results: The comorbidity (p = .013), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = .026), total cholesterol (p = .008) and HbA1c (p = .020) were higher and PA level was lower (p = .007) in the OHAiN group. NOS was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = .037) and negatively correlated with BMI (p = .007). 6MWD was negatively correlated with BMI (p = .014) and comorbidity (p = .004) in the OHA group. BMI was a significant predictor of NOS (adjusted R² = 0.242) and comorbidity for 6MWD (adjusted R² = 0.250) in the OHA group. The majority of the patients (OHA = 34.3%, OHAiN = 42.3%) reported “lack of time” as the most common barrier to PA. Conclusions: This study showed that patients on OHAiN have lower PA levels, poorer metabolic profiles, and higher comorbidity rates than OHA users. PA indicators were related with some metabolic biomarkers and comorbidity in only OHA users. The most common reason for inactivity was “the lack of time” in both groups.     

Analysis of the body composition of Paralympic athletes: Comparison of two methods

Body composition is a physiological variable associated with physical activity and, in some cases, is related to athletic performance. Our objectives were to describe the body composition of participants in three distinct Paralympic sports and to compare the values of body density and estimated body fat obtained from the Paralympic athletes on the National Team by air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and by the anthropometric method (skinfolds (SFs)). The sample consisted of 70 volunteers of both genders. The body composition of the volunteers was evaluated using the ADP in a Bod Pod^® and seven SFs. There were no significant differences between the values obtained by ADP and SF for body fat percentage (p?=?.58) and body density (p?=?.49). Analysis by Bland–Altman plots showed mean differences of 0.56?±?4.94 (?9.12–10.23) and ?0.0017?±?0.0113 (?0.024–0.020) for body fat percentage and body density, respectively. In conclusion, body composition analyses of Paralympic athletes by the ADP and SF methods show similar results, and ADP should be used as the first option when available. When the use of ADP is not possible, estimating body density and fat percentage by SF is a viable alternative for Paralympic athletes when future comparisons will use the same analysis method.     

The inflammatory response to a wheelchair half-marathon in people with a spinal cord injury - the role of autonomic function

This study investigates the relationship between autonomic function and the inflammatory response to a wheelchair half-marathon in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Seventeen wheelchair athletes with a cervical SCI (CSCI, N = 7) and without CSCI (NON-CSCI, N = 10) participated in a wheelchair half-marathon. Blood was taken prior, post and 1 h post-race to determine the concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, extracellular heat shock protein 72 (eHsp72) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). A sit-up tilt test was performed to assess autonomic function at rest. CSCI showed a lower supine ratio of the low and high frequency power of the variability in RR intervals (LF/HF RRI, p = 0.038), total and low frequency power of the systolic blood pressure variability (TP SBP, p < 0.001; LF SBP, p = 0.005) compared to NON-CSCI. Following the race, catecholamine concentrations increased only in NON-CSCI (p < 0.036). The increase in IL-6 post-race was larger in NON-CSCI (p = 0.040). Post-race catecholamine levels explained 60% of the variance in the IL-6 response (r = 0.77, p = 0.040), which was further increased when the resting autonomic function indices were added to the regression model (R² > 81%, p < 0.012). In summary, the dampened acute inflammatory response to a wheelchair half-marathon in CSCI was strongly associated with the autonomic dysfunction present in this group.     

Effects of competition on the sleep patterns of elite rugby union players

Abstract

No published research has assessed sleep patterns of elite rugby union players following match-play. The present study examined sleep patterns of professional rugby union players, prior and post-match-play, to assess the influence of competition. Twenty-eight male rugby union players (24.4?±?2.9 years, 103.9?±?12.2?kg) competed in one of four competitive home matches. Player's sleep behaviours were monitored continuously using an Actiwatch^® from two days before the match, until three days post-match. Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences across the time points measured for time to bed (F?=?26.425, η² ?=?0.495, p < .001), get up time (F?=?21.175, η²?=?0.440, p?<?.001), time spent in bed (F?=?10.669, η²?=?0.283, p?<?.001), time asleep (F?=?8.752, η²?=?0.245, p?<?.001) and percentage of time moving (F?=?4.602, η²?=?0.146 p?<?.05). Most notable, post hocs revealed a significant increase for time in bed the night before the match (p?<?.01; 95% CI?=?0?:?10–1?:?28?h; 9.7?±?13.5%) compared with the reference night sleep. Furthermore, time asleep significantly decreased post-match (p?<?.05; 95% CI?=??0:03 to ?1:59?h; ?19.5?±?19.8%) compared to two nights pre-match. Across all time points, sleep latency and efficiency for most players were considered abnormal compared to that expected in normal populations. The results demonstrate that sleep that is deprived post-match may have detrimental effects on the recovery process.     

Similar results for face mask versus mouthpiece during incremental exercise to exhaustion

Investigations in the 1990s evaluated the influence of breathing assemblies on respiratory variables at rest and during exercise; however, research on new models of breathing assemblies is lacking. This study compared metabolic gas analysis data from a mouthpiece with a noseclip (MOUTH) and a face mask (MASK). Volunteers (7 males, 7 females; 25.1 ± 2.7 years) completed two maximal treadmill tests within 1 week, one MOUTH and one MASK, in random order. The difference in maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) between MOUTH (52.7 ± 11.3 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1) and MASK (52.2 ± 11.7 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1) was not significant (P = 0.53). Likewise, the mean MOUTH–MASK differences in minute ventilation (V_E), fraction of expired oxygen (FEO₂) and carbon dioxide (FECO₂), respiration rate (RR), tidal volume (V_t), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at maximal and submaximal intensities were not significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no systematic bias in the error scores (r = ?0.13, P = 0.66), and 12 of the 14 participants had a VO_2max difference of ≤3 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 between conditions. Finally, there was no clear participant preference for using the MOUTH or MASK. Selection of MOUTH or MASK will not affect the participant’s gas exchange or breathing patterns.     

Lactate Equivalent for Maximal Lactate Steady State Determination in Soccer

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The association between an overlooked classical Lactate Threshold (LT), named “Minimum Lactate Equivalent” (LE_min), with Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS) has been recently described with good MLSS prediction results in endurance-trained runners. This study aimed to determine the applicability of LE_min to predict MLSS in lower aerobic-conditioned individuals compared to well-established blood lactate-related thresholds (BLTs). Method: Fifteen soccer players [velocity at MLSS (MLSS_V) 13.2 ± 1.0 km·h^?1; coefficient of variation (CV) 7.6%] conducted a submaximal discontinuous incremental running test to determine BLTs and 3–6 constant velocity running tests to determine MLSS_V. Results: LE_min did not differ from conventional LTs (p > .05) and was 24% lower than MLSS (p < .001; ES: 3.26). Among LTs, LE_min best predicted MLSS_V (r = 0.83; p < .001; SEE = 0.59 km·h^?1). There was no statistical difference between MLSS and estimated MLSS using LE_min prediction formula (p = .99; ES: 0.001). Mean bias and limits of agreement were 0.00 ± 0.58 km·h^?1 and ±1.13 km·h^?1, respectively. LE_min best predicted MLSS_V (r = 0.92; p < .001; SEE = 0.54 km·h^?1) in the pooled data of soccer players and endurance-trained runners of the previous study (n = 28; MLSS_V range 11.2–16.5 km·h^?1; CV 9.8%). Conclusion: Results support LE_min to be one of the best single predictors of MLSS. This study is the sole study providing specific operational regression equations to estimate the impractical gold standard MLSS_V in soccer players by means of a BLT measured during a submaximal single-session test.