A new age-based equation for predicting maximum heart rate in endurance-trained runners

This study aimed to generate an age-based maximum heart rate (HR max ) equation for endurance-trained runners. Thirty-four male runners performed three tests on a motorized treadmill, starting at 8 km h -1 with increments of 1 km h -1 every 1, 2 or, 3 min. HR max was defined as the highest heart rate value recorded during each test. Post hoc analyses indicated that the HR max derived from each test was significantly lower than the highest HR max value, for each participant. HR max predicted by “206 - 0.7 × age” underestimated the highest HR max by 8.6 beats min -1 . Thus, the generated age-based “218 - 0.8 × age” equation should be used to predict HR max in endurance-trained runners.