The Record Power Output 1–12 Test for Estimating the Anaerobic Threshold in Trained Athletes

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Record Power Output 1–12 test as a practical field-based estimate of anaerobic threshold markers in trained cyclists and to compare its association and agreement with established laboratory-based methods. Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed both a standard incremental ramp test with capillary blood lactate measurements and the Record Power Output 1–12 protocol, consisting of a 1-minute maximal effort followed by a 12-minute maximal effort. Threshold estimation was calculated using the formula RPO12−(5%×RPO1). The Record Power Output 1–12 test values were compared with established anaerobic threshold markers, including D max variants, onset of blood lactate accumulation thresholds, second lactate turn point, critical power and expert-determined second lactate threshold. Associations were evaluated using linear regression while agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis. In addition, 90% confidence intervals derived from the two one-sided test were reported descriptively. The Record Power Output 1–12 test showed strong correlations with all investigated anaerobic threshold markers (r=0.87–0.99). However, Bland–Altman analyses revealed relatively wide limits of agreement across comparisons, consistent with previous literature, and mean differences were the largest with D max (− 28.12 W) and Exp-D max (− 18.98 W). Overall, the Record Power Output 1–12 test demonstrated strong correlations with commonly used threshold markers but limited interchangeability at the individual level, suggesting potential utility for field-based athlete monitoring when laboratory testing is not feasible.