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Comparison of Training Intensity Distribution Models in Recreational Distance Runners

6 mai 2026 mis à jour par: Luis Eduardo Ranieri, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Comparison of Polarized, Pyramidal, and Threshold Training Intensity Distribution on Physiological and Performance Outcomes in Recreational Distance Runners

This study aims to compare the effects of three different training intensity distribution (TID) models-polarized, threshold, and pyramidal-on physiological and performance adaptations in recreational distance runners. Twenty-four participants will be assigned to one of the three training interventions and will complete an 8-week structured running program based on the respective TID approach.

The primary objective is to determine whether different TID models elicit distinct changes in key physiological markers and endurance performance. The study seeks to answer whether a specific intensity distribution strategy provides superior adaptations in recreational runners when training is prescribed over a controlled intervention period.

Aperçu de l'étude

Statut

Complété

Les conditions

Intervention / Traitement

Description détaillée

This study adopts a parallel-group experimental design to compare the effects of three training intensity distribution (TID) models-polarized, threshold, and pyramidal-on physiological and performance adaptations in recreational distance runners.

Eligible participants are required to be recreational runners with a minimum training frequency of four sessions per week. Following enrollment, all participants complete a one-week pre-intervention phase dedicated to baseline assessments and familiarization with testing procedures.

During this phase, participants will performe a comprehensive physiological evaluation to determine key endurance-related variables. These include ventilatory thresholds (e.g., VT1 and VT2), running economy, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), assessed through an incremental exercise test under standardized laboratory conditions. In addition, participants perform a 5-km time trial on a standardized course or controlled conditions to assess endurance performance.

Based on the physiological assessment, individual training intensities are prescribed using a five-zone intensity model derived from ventilatory thresholds and maximal aerobic capacity. This approach allows for precise classification of training load and ensures consistency in the application of the three TID models across participants.

Following baseline testing, participants are allocated to one of the three intervention groups (polarized, threshold, or pyramidal) and complete an 8-week structured endurance training program. Each training model differs in the relative distribution of time spent across the five intensity zones, while overall training frequency and general structure are maintained comparable between groups.

Training sessions are monitored using participants' GPS-enabled sport watches, which record variables such as duration, distance, pace, and heart rate. These data are used to quantify training load and verify adherence to the prescribed intensity distribution. Participants are instructed to follow the assigned training program and upload their training data regularly for supervision and compliance tracking.

At the end of the 8-week intervention, all baseline assessments are repeated under the same conditions. This includes the physiological testing to reassess ventilatory thresholds, running economy, and VO₂max, as well as the 5-km time trial to evaluate changes in endurance performance.

The primary aim of the study is to examine whether different TID models induce distinct adaptations in physiological determinants and performance outcomes when applied in a controlled, prospective training intervention in recreational runners.

Type d'étude

Interventionnel

Inscription (Réel)

24

Phase

  • N'est pas applicable

Contacts et emplacements

Cette section fournit les coordonnées de ceux qui mènent l'étude et des informations sur le lieu où cette étude est menée.

Lieux d'étude

  • Espagne
    • Madrid
      • Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Espagne, 28943
        • Cam. del Molino, 5, Fuenlabrada, Madrid

Critères de participation

Les chercheurs recherchent des personnes qui correspondent à une certaine description, appelée critères d'éligibilité. Certains exemples de ces critères sont l'état de santé général d'une personne ou des traitements antérieurs.

Critère d'éligibilité

Âges éligibles pour étudier

  • Adulte

Accepte les volontaires sains

Oui

La description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • age ≥ 18 years;
  • a habitual training frequency of ≥ 4 sessions·week
  • running experience ≥ 2 years;
  • absence of musculoskeletal injuries in the preceding 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

  • an official 10-km race time > 40:00 min:s for men and > 50:00 min:s for women
  • any cardiometabolic disease

Plan d'étude

Cette section fournit des détails sur le plan d'étude, y compris la façon dont l'étude est conçue et ce que l'étude mesure.

Comment l'étude est-elle conçue ?

Détails de conception

  • Objectif principal: Autre
  • Répartition: Randomisé
  • Modèle interventionnel: Affectation parallèle
  • Masquage: Seul

Armes et Interventions

Groupe de participants / Bras
Intervention / Traitement
Expérimental: Polarized training Intensity Distribution
Participants assigned to the polarized training group perform an 8-week structured endurance training program characterized by a high proportion of low-intensity exercise and a smaller proportion of high-intensity exercise, with minimal time spent at moderate intensities. Training intensity is prescribed using an individualized five-zone model based on baseline physiological assessments. The majority of training is performed in the lowest intensity zones (Zones 1-2), while high-intensity sessions are conducted in the highest zones (Zones 4-5). Training load and adherence are monitored using GPS-enabled sport watches.
Autre: Polarided training intensity distribution
This intervention consists of an endurance training program based on a polarized intensity distribution model. Training intensity is prescribed using an individualized five-zone system derived from physiological assessments (e.g., ventilatory thresholds and maximal oxygen uptake). The model is characterized by a high proportion of training performed at low intensities (Zones 1-2) and a smaller but meaningful proportion at high intensities (Zones 4-5), with minimal time accumulated at moderate intensities (Zone 3). This distribution aims to maximize adaptations by combining extensive low-intensity volume with targeted high-intensity stimuli.
Autres noms:
  • POL
Expérimental: Threshold Training Intensity Distribution
Participants assigned to the threshold training group complete an 8-week structured endurance training program emphasizing a greater proportion of training at moderate-to-high intensities, particularly around the second ventilatory threshold. Training intensity is prescribed using an individualized five-zone model derived from baseline physiological assessments. A substantial portion of training is performed in intermediate zones (Zones 3-4), with comparatively less time spent at low (Zones 1-2) and high intensities (Zone 5). Training sessions are monitored via GPS-enabled sport watches to ensure adherence.
Autre: Threshold Training Intensity Distribution
Participants assigned to the threshold training group complete an 8-week structured endurance training program emphasizing a greater proportion of training at moderate-to-high intensities, particularly around the second ventilatory threshold. Training intensity is prescribed using an individualized five-zone model derived from baseline physiological assessments. A substantial portion of training is performed in intermediate zones (Zones 3-4), with comparatively less time spent at low (Zones 1-2) and high intensities (Zone 5). Training sessions are monitored via GPS-enabled sport watches to ensure adherence.
Autres noms:
  • THR
Expérimental: Pyramidal training Intensity Distribution
Participants assigned to the pyramidal training group perform an 8-week structured endurance training program characterized by a progressive decrease in training volume from low to high intensities. Training intensity is prescribed using an individualized five-zone model based on baseline physiological assessments. Most training is accumulated in low-intensity zones (Zones 1-2), with moderate amounts in intermediate zones (Zone 3) and smaller proportions at higher intensities (Zones 4-5), forming a pyramidal distribution. Training load and compliance are monitored using GPS-enabled sport watches.
Autre: Pyramidal Training Intensity Distribution
Participants assigned to the pyramidal training group perform an 8-week structured endurance training program characterized by a progressive decrease in training volume from low to high intensities. Training intensity is prescribed using an individualized five-zone model based on baseline physiological assessments. Most training is accumulated in low-intensity zones (Zones 1-2), with moderate amounts in intermediate zones (Zone 3) and smaller proportions at higher intensities (Zones 4-5), forming a pyramidal distribution. Training load and compliance are monitored using GPS-enabled sport watches.
Autres noms:
  • Pyr

Que mesure l'étude ?

Principaux critères de jugement

Mesure des résultats
Description de la mesure
Délai
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max)
Délai: Baseline to 8 weeks
Assessment of changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) obtained during an incremental exercise test. VO₂max is used as a measure of maximal aerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Baseline to 8 weeks
Ventilatory Thresholds and Associated Running Speeds
Délai: Baseline to 8 weeks
Assessment of changes in the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and their corresponding running speeds, determined during an incremental exercise test. These variables reflect submaximal endurance capacity and physiological determinants of performance and their changes after intervention.
Baseline to 8 weeks
Running Economy
Délai: Baseline to 8 weeks
Assessment of changes in running economy, defined as the oxygen cost of running at a standardized submaximal speed during laboratory testing. This measure reflects the efficiency of movement during endurance exercise.
Baseline to 8 weeks
Changes in 5-km time trial performance
Délai: Baseline to 8 weeks
Assessment of changes in endurance performance measured as completion time in a 5-km time trial conducted under standardized conditions. Pre- to post-intervention differences are used to evaluate the effect of the training interventions on real-world running performance.
Baseline to 8 weeks

Collaborateurs et enquêteurs

C'est ici que vous trouverez les personnes et les organisations impliquées dans cette étude.

Parrainer

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Les enquêteurs

  • Directeur d'études: Arturo Casado, PhD, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Publications et liens utiles

La personne responsable de la saisie des informations sur l'étude fournit volontairement ces publications. Il peut s'agir de tout ce qui concerne l'étude.

Publications générales

Dates d'enregistrement des études

Ces dates suivent la progression des dossiers d'étude et des soumissions de résultats sommaires à ClinicalTrials.gov. Les dossiers d'étude et les résultats rapportés sont examinés par la Bibliothèque nationale de médecine (NLM) pour s'assurer qu'ils répondent à des normes de contrôle de qualité spécifiques avant d'être publiés sur le site Web public.

Dates principales de l'étude

Début de l'étude (Réel)

1 avril 2024

Achèvement primaire (Réel)

30 juillet 2024

Achèvement de l'étude (Réel)

20 avril 2026

Dates d'inscription aux études

Première soumission

27 avril 2026

Première soumission répondant aux critères de contrôle qualité

27 avril 2026

Première publication (Réel)

4 mai 2026

Mises à jour des dossiers d'étude

Dernière mise à jour publiée (Réel)

11 mai 2026

Dernière mise à jour soumise répondant aux critères de contrôle qualité

6 mai 2026

Dernière vérification

1 mai 2026

Plus d'information

Termes liés à cette étude

Mots clés

Autres numéros d'identification d'étude

  • IND/22HUM-23661-1
  • IND/22HUM-23661 (Autre subvention/numéro de financement: Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid)

Plan pour les données individuelles des participants (IPD)

Prévoyez-vous de partager les données individuelles des participants (DPI) ?

NON

Informations sur les médicaments et les dispositifs, documents d'étude

Étudie un produit pharmaceutique réglementé par la FDA américaine

Non

Étudie un produit d'appareil réglementé par la FDA américaine

Non

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