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Comparison of Training Intensity Distribution Models in Recreational Distance Runners

6 mei 2026 bijgewerkt door: 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.

Studie Overzicht

Toestand

Voltooid

Conditie

Interventie / Behandeling

Gedetailleerde beschrijving

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.

Studietype

Ingrijpend

Inschrijving (Werkelijk)

24

Fase

  • Niet toepasbaar

Contacten en locaties

In dit gedeelte vindt u de contactgegevens van degenen die het onderzoek uitvoeren en informatie over waar dit onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd.

Studie Locaties

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

Deelname Criteria

Onderzoekers zoeken naar mensen die aan een bepaalde beschrijving voldoen, de zogenaamde geschiktheidscriteria. Enkele voorbeelden van deze criteria zijn iemands algemene gezondheidstoestand of eerdere behandelingen.

Geschiktheidscriteria

Leeftijden die in aanmerking komen voor studie

  • Volwassen

Accepteert gezonde vrijwilligers

Ja

Beschrijving

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

Studie plan

Dit gedeelte bevat details van het studieplan, inclusief hoe de studie is opgezet en wat de studie meet.

Hoe is de studie opgezet?

Ontwerpdetails

  • Primair doel: Ander
  • Toewijzing: Gerandomiseerd
  • Interventioneel model: Parallelle opdracht
  • Masker: Enkel

Wapens en interventies

Deelnemersgroep / Arm
Interventie / Behandeling
Experimenteel: 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.
Ander: 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.
Andere namen:
  • POL
Experimenteel: 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.
Ander: 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.
Andere namen:
  • THR
Experimenteel: 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.
Ander: 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.
Andere namen:
  • Pyr

Wat meet het onderzoek?

Primaire uitkomstmaten

Uitkomstmaat
Maatregel Beschrijving
Tijdsspanne
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max)
Tijdsspanne: 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
Tijdsspanne: 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
Tijdsspanne: 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
Tijdsspanne: 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

Medewerkers en onderzoekers

Hier vindt u mensen en organisaties die betrokken zijn bij dit onderzoek.

Sponsor

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Onderzoekers

  • Studie directeur: Arturo Casado, PhD, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Publicaties en nuttige links

De persoon die verantwoordelijk is voor het invoeren van informatie over het onderzoek stelt deze publicaties vrijwillig ter beschikking. Dit kan gaan over alles wat met het onderzoek te maken heeft.

Algemene publicaties

Studie record data

Deze datums volgen de voortgang van het onderzoeksdossier en de samenvatting van de ingediende resultaten bij ClinicalTrials.gov. Studieverslagen en gerapporteerde resultaten worden beoordeeld door de National Library of Medicine (NLM) om er zeker van te zijn dat ze voldoen aan specifieke kwaliteitscontrolenormen voordat ze op de openbare website worden geplaatst.

Bestudeer belangrijke data

Studie start (Werkelijk)

1 april 2024

Primaire voltooiing (Werkelijk)

30 juli 2024

Studie voltooiing (Werkelijk)

20 april 2026

Studieregistratiedata

Eerst ingediend

27 april 2026

Eerst ingediend dat voldeed aan de QC-criteria

27 april 2026

Eerst geplaatst (Werkelijk)

4 mei 2026

Updates van studierecords

Laatste update geplaatst (Werkelijk)

11 mei 2026

Laatste update ingediend die voldeed aan QC-criteria

6 mei 2026

Laatst geverifieerd

1 mei 2026

Meer informatie

Termen gerelateerd aan deze studie

Trefwoorden

Andere studie-ID-nummers

  • IND/22HUM-23661-1
  • IND/22HUM-23661 (Ander subsidie-/financieringsnummer: Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid)

Plan Individuele Deelnemersgegevens (IPD)

Bent u van plan om gegevens van individuele deelnemers (IPD) te delen?

NEE

Informatie over medicijnen en apparaten, studiedocumenten

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd geneesmiddel

Nee

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd apparaatproduct

Nee

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