What does this research mean for the field?

HR at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) occurs at 93.5 ± 2.5% of peak HR, varying significantly between sexes and performance levels in long-distance runners. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to establish reference values for training intensities based on sex and performance level in long-distance runners.

January 10, 2026SportsOpen Access

Towards Accurate Reference Values for Heart Rate and Speed Zones by Aerobic Fitness and Sex in Long-Distance Runners

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Key result

VT2 heart rate averages ~94% of peak HR, varying significantly by sex and performance in runners.

Why the study?

The study aimed to provide reference values for estimating training intensities in long-distance runners based on progressive incremental tests, accounting for sex and performance level.

What are the reference values for heart rate and speed zones at ventilatory thresholds in long-distance runners, and how do they vary by sex and performance level?

Key Points

This research aims to establish reference values for training intensities based on sex and performance level in long-distance runners.
Conducted a standardized treadmill protocol with gas exchange analysis for 1411 endurance-trained runners.
Analyzed ventilatory thresholds and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak).
Expressed heart rate and running speed relative to peak values.
Heart rate at second ventilatory threshold (VT2) was 93.5 ± 2.5% of peak heart rate.
Relative running speeds at VT2 and first ventilatory threshold (VT1) corresponded to 87.6 ± 3.9% and 73.9 ± 5.5% of speed at VO2peak, respectively.
Beginners exhibited higher relative heart rate and VO2 values at ventilatory thresholds than elite men, while women had stable values across performance levels.

Structured PICO

What are the reference values for heart rate and speed zones at ventilatory thresholds in long-distance runners, and how do they vary by sex and performance level?

Population

1411 endurance-trained long-distance runners (819 men and 592 women)

Intervention

Standardized treadmill protocol with gas exchange analysis (progressive incremental tests)

Outcome

Heart rate (HR) and running speed at first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2) expressed relative to peak valuessurrogate

This study establishes precise, evidence-based reference ranges for heart rate and speed zones in long-distance runners, highlighting the necessity of individualizing training prescriptions based on sex and performance level.

Discussion

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Implication

Supports individualized HR zones by sex and performance in runners; leaves open prospective validation for training prescriptions.

Cite This Study

Esteve-Lanao et al. (2026) studied this question. HR at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) was found to occur at 93.5 ± 2.5% of peak HR, varying significantly between sexes and performance levels in runners.

synapsesocial.com/papers/696321c991e05aa366cb80a6 https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14010029

View Full Paper

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Towards Accurate Reference Values for Heart Rate and Speed Zones by Aerobic Fitness and Sex in Long-Distance Runners

Key Points

Structured PICO

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Towards Accurate Reference Values for Heart Rate and Speed Zones by Aerobic Fitness and Sex in Long-Distance Runners

Key Points

Structured PICO

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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