Critical Power Model Parameters Reflect Distinct Aerobic and Mechanical Performance Characteristics in Male Track-and-Field Athletes

PURPOSE: The critical power (CP) model is widely used to evaluate high-intensity exercise tolerance; however, the performance characteristics reflected by its parameters may differ across athletes with diverse physiological and neuromuscular profiles. This study examined how CP-model parameters relate to aerobic power, indices of anaerobic performance, and nonoxidative energy contribution in male track-and-field athletes. METHODS: Twenty male track-and-field athletes completed assessments of maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), CP and the curvature constant (W'), maximal accumulated oxygen deficit, maximal anaerobic power, and a 30-second Wingate test. Body composition variables were assessed using high-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Associations between CP-model parameters and performance indices were examined using correlation analysis. RESULTS: CP was significantly and positively correlated with V˙O2max (r = .64, P = .002) and negatively correlated with several mechanical indices of anaerobic performance. In contrast, W' was positively associated with mechanically expressed anaerobic performance, including maximal anaerobic power and Wingate-derived peak and mean power (r = .73-.75, P < .001), as well as body composition variables. No statistically significant association was observed between W' and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that CP and W' reflect distinct aerobic and mechanical performance characteristics, with CP primarily reflecting aerobic power and W' representing a mechanically expressed work reserve rather than a purely metabolic index of nonoxidative energy contribution. This distinction highlights the complementary roles of CP-model parameters in performance evaluation.