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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07109089

Heart Rate Vs. Race Pace-Based Prescription Training in Recreational Distance Runners

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare adherence to training prescription-defined as the percentage of time spent within the prescribed intensity zone-using either a race pace-based method or a heart rate-based method in male and female recreational distance runners.

The main research questions are:

* Which training prescription method leads to greater adherence in recreational runners? * Which method results in more accurate execution of low- and high-intensity interval training sessions?

Participants will undergo anthropometric and physiological assessments to determine training zones based on ventilatory thresholds. In addition, a 5-km time trial will be performed on a standard track to establish individual race pace zones.

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Key information

Conditions

Exercise Response Athletic Performance Physical Fitness Running Endurance

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cam. del Molino, 5, Fuenlabrada, Madrid

Fuenlabrada, Madrid, 28943, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • healthy male and female recreational endurance runners
  • minimum of four training sessions per week
  • at least three of consistent endurance training experience

Exclusion criteria

  • current smokers
  • diagnosed metabolic disorders
  • any cardiovascular, pulmonary, or orthopedic condition that may interfere with exercise performance or safety

Treatment and study plan

Race Pace-based training

Other

Participants complete one week of endurance training based on race pace zones individually determined from a 5-km time trial performance. The program includes both low-intensity continuous runs and high-intensity interval training sessions.

Heart Rate-Based Training

Other

Participants complete one week of endurance training based on heart rate zones individually determined from ventilatory threshold assessments. The program includes both low-intensity continuous runs and high-intensity interval training sessions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max)

    Time frame: Baseline

    VO₂max (mL·kg-¹·min-¹) measured during an incremental treadmill test to volitional exhaustion. Respiratory gases are collected breath-by-breath using a calibrated metabolic cart. The highest 30-second average of VO₂ is taken as VO₂max.

  2. Time in Zone - Low-Intensity Training

    Time frame: Week 1 and week 2

    Total time (in minutes and % of intended time in zone) spent within the prescribed low-intensity training zone during each session, as determined by either heart rate (below first ventilatory threshold) or race pace (based on individual 5-km performance). Training zones are predefined per method and monitored via GPS watches and heart rate monitors.

  3. Time in Zone - High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

    Time frame: Week 1 and week 2

    Total time (in minutes and % of intended time in zone) spent within the prescribed high-intensity training zone during interval sessions, based on either heart rate (above second ventilatory threshold) or race pace (percentage of 5-km race pace). Time in zone is extracted from GPS and HR data post-session

Secondary outcomes

  1. Body weight (kg) and Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m²)

    Time frame: Baseline

    These variables will be assessed to monitor changes in general health status and body composition throughout the intervention.

    Weight and height will be measured using a calibrated bio-electrical impedance analyzer (Tanita MC-780), with an accuracy of ±0.1 kg. Participants will be assessed barefoot, wearing light clothing, after an overnight fast and after voiding. Weight will be recorded in kilograms (kg) and height in meters (m), and BMI will be subsequently calculated as weight divided by height squared (kg/m²).

    No additional outcome measures will be collected in this assessment session.

  2. Ventilatory thresholds

    Time frame: Baseline

    Oxygen uptake (VO₂, mL·kg-¹·min-¹) at the first and second ventilatory thresholds measured during an incremental treadmill test. Ventilatory thresholds are determined using standard gas exchange methods (e.g., V-slope, ventilatory equivalents).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Heart Rate Vs. Race Pace-Based Prescription Training: Which Training Method Leads To Intended Execution In Recreational Distance Runners?

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 7, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 7, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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