Summary • Endurance testing can be conducted in the laboratory and field to assess physiological and performance measures. • A good endurance test should have sufficient validity, reliability and sensitivity to confidently identify worthwhile changes and differences in fitness and performance. • Laboratory-based assessment of endurance should include measurement of maximal oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, and economy. • Options for field-based endurance tests include progressive incremental testing, time trials, time to exhaustion testing, time-motion analysis using video and/or smart-sensor technology, and simulated sport testing protocols. • Laboratory-based ergometry assessment of physiological and performance parameters should yield useful insights in fitness and training interventions. • Coaches and athletes without easy access to laboratory testing should investigate the feasibility of time trials and time to exhaustion testing. • Team sports should investigate the option of progressive incremental step tests, time-motion analysis, and possibly simulated sport protocols. • A well-organised quality control and data management system for endurance testing will add rigour and confidence to the interpretation of results for coaches and athletes.
© Copyright 2012 Endurance Training - Science and Practice. Published by Inigo Mujika. All rights reserved.