The Record Power Output 1–12 Test for Estimating the Anaerobic Threshold in Trained Athletes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Record Power Output 1–12 test as a practical field-based estimate of anaerobic threshold markers in trained cyclists and to compare its association and agreement with established laboratory-based methods. Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed both a standard incremental ramp test with capillary blood lactate measurements and the Record Power Output 1–12 protocol, consisting of a 1-minute maximal effort followed by a 12-minute maximal effort. Threshold estimation was calculated using the formula RPO12−(5%×RPO1). The Record Power Output 1–12 test values were compared with established anaerobic threshold markers, including D max variants, onset of blood lactate accumulation thresholds, second lactate turn point, critical power and expert-determined second lactate threshold. Associations were evaluated using linear regression while agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis. In addition, 90% confidence intervals derived from the two one-sided test were reported descriptively. The Record Power Output 1–12 test showed strong correlations with all investigated anaerobic threshold markers (r=0.87–0.99). However, Bland–Altman analyses revealed relatively wide limits of agreement across comparisons, consistent with previous literature, and mean differences were the largest with D max (− 28.12 W) and Exp-D max (− 18.98 W). Overall, the Record Power Output 1–12 test demonstrated strong correlations with commonly used threshold markers but limited interchangeability at the individual level, suggesting potential utility for field-based athlete monitoring when laboratory testing is not feasible.