A new age-based equation for predicting maximum heart rate in endurance-trained runners

Uma nova equação baseada em idade para predição da frequência cardíaca máxima em corredores aerobiamente treinados

Una nueva ecuación basada en la edad para pronosticar la frecuencia cardíaca máxima en corredores entrenados en resistencia

This study aimed to generate an age-based maximum heart rate (HR_max) equation for endurance-trained runners. Thirty-four male runners performed three tests on a motorized treadmill, starting at 8 km h^-1 with increments of 1 km h^-1 every 1, 2 or, 3 min. HR_max was defined as the highest heart rate value recorded during each test. Post hoc analyses indicated that the HR_max derived from each test was significantly lower than the highest HR_max value, for each participant. HR_max predicted by "206 - 0.7 × age" underestimated the highest HR_max by 8.6 beats min^-1. Thus, the generated age-based "218 - 0.8 × age" equation should be used to predict HR_max in endurance-trained runners.

KEYWORDS
Cardiovascular system; Exercise test; Physical endurance; Running