Reliability of a trail running submaximal treadmill test and its relationship with flat surface running economy

Key Points

• The aim is to evaluate the reliability of a submaximal treadmill test and its relationship with running economy on flat surfaces during trail running.
• Conducted a submaximal treadmill test on uphill and flat surfaces
• Measured running economy (RE) under different gradient conditions
• Evaluated the reliability of test results among trail runners
• Uphill submaximal treadmill test shows good reliability overall
• No correlation found between flat and steep uphill running economy
• Indicates necessity for uphill testing among trail runners