Running critical power modeling: insights into physiological and neuromuscular performance factors

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Abstract This study aims to determine the relationship between the critical power and the work above critical power (W′) with physiological and neuromuscular performance factors. Twenty-one recreational runners, 11 men and 10 women, were tested on three separate occasions spaced by 48–72 hours. In the first testing session, the vertical load–velocity and horizontal force–velocity profiles were determined. In the second testing session, the maximal oxygen uptake, running economy, first and second ventilatory thresholds and maximal aerobic power were determined through a graded exercise test. In the third testing session, the critical power and W′ were determined through two-time trials of 9- and 3-minutes. The critical power was significantly correlated with all physiological factors evaluated (r≥− 0.479; p≤0.028); meanwhile, none were with W′ (r≤0.377; p≥0.092). On the other hand, W′ was positively associated with specific neuromuscular performance factors of the vertical load–velocity (r=0.763; p<0.001; i.e., theoretical maximal vertical velocity) and horizontal force–velocity (r≥0.658; p≤0.001; i.e., theoretical maximal horizontal velocity and maximal power) profiles. The critical power modelling results in a feasible procedure to capture both physiological and neuromuscular performance determinants through the critical power and W′ parameters, respectively.