TALK TEST AS A PRACTICAL METHOD TO ESTIMATE
EXERCISE INTENSITY IN HIGHLY TRAINED
COMPETITIVE MALE CYCLISTS
BRENT D. GILLESPIE, JAMES J. MCCORMICK, CHRISTINE M. MERMIER,
Exercise Science Division, Department of Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New
Mexico
ABSTRACT
Gillespie, BD, McCormick, JJ, Mermier, CM, and Gibson, AL. Talk
Test as a practical method to estimate exercise intensity in highly
trained competitive male cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 29(4):
894–898, 2015—The Talk Test (TT) has been used to determine
exercise intensity among various population subgroups but not for
competitive athletes. This study was designed to compare the
ventilatory threshold (VT) with the last positive (+/+), equivocal
(+/2), and negative (2/2) stages of the TT for highly trained
cyclists. Twelve men (26.5 6 4.6 years, 71.9 6 7.6 kg) consented
and completed the study, as approved by the university institu-
tional review board. A maximal graded exercise test was used to
_ O2 max: 65.9 6 6.9
identify VT, maximal aerobic capacity (V
21 21
ml$kg $min ), and maximal heart rate (HRmax: 187.3 6 11.3
b$min21). On a separate visit, the TT was administered using the
same protocol. Participants were asked if they could speak com-
fortably after a standard passage recitation. Response options
were: “Yes” (+/+), “I’m not sure” (+/2), or “No” (2/2). Variables
at VT were compared with the last (+/+), (+/2), and (2/2) stages
of TT through t-test with Bonferroni’s adjustment (0.05/3). Differ-
ences (p # 0.017) were found between variables at VT, as com-
pared with (+/+) TT (V_ O2: 32.9 6 7.7 ml$kg21$min21, %V _ O2max:
21
49.9 6 9.9, heart rate [HR]: 128.7 6 18.7 b$min , %HRmax:
68.6 6 7.9, rating of perceived exertion [RPE]: 11.1 6 1.1) and
_ O2: 44.4 6 7.5 ml$kg21$min21, %V _ O2max: 67.2 6
(+/2) TT (V
7.5). There were no differences between RPE- and HR-based
variables at VT, as compared with (+/2) TT (RPE: 13.6 6 0.63,
HR: 147.1 6 17.2 b$min21, %HRmax: 78.5 6 7.4) or (2/2) TT
(V_ O2: 48.8 6 7.8 ml$kg21$min21, %V _ O2max: 73.9 6 7.1, HR:
21
155.6 6 13.6 b$min , %HRmax: 83.1 6 5.3, RPE: 14.8 6
0.90). We found that when the athlete could no longer speak
comfortably, he was exercising at or near his VT; we con-
cluded that (2/2) TT estimated VT and can therefore provide
Address correspondence to Ann L. Gibson, alg@unm.edu.
29(4)/894–898
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Ó 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association
the TM
894 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
AND ANN L. GIBSON
a practical method to gauge exercise intensity for highly trained
competitive cyclists similar to those in our study.
KEY WORDS ventilatory threshold, %HRmax, monitoring
exercise, athletes
INTRODUCTION
O
ne key to success is an athlete’s ability to perform
individual training regimens at specific exercise
intensities to maximize physiological benefits
and improve performance. Many athletes use
heart rate (HR) monitors to help guide their training and
maintain appropriate intensity levels. Although convenient,
monitoring intensity through HR and prescribed HR train-
ing zones are often not reliable for highly trained athletes,
especially those exercising in hot environments similar to
what is experienced during our summer months, with an
average high temperature of 33.38 C in July. Referred to as
cardiovascular drift, an increased HR response is seen while
exercising at identical workloads in increased ambient
temperatures as compared with cooler temperatures (6).
Therefore, finding alternative methods to help gauge exer-
cise intensity as core temperature rises is of benefit to both
athlete and coach alike.
There are numerous training tools to help athletes gauge
intensity, from the basic rating of perceived exertion (RPE)
chart to the more highly advanced and expensive power
meters. Although individual athletes prefer different meth-
ods, some are constrained by financial cost whereas others
prefer to take a more “organic” approach and keep their
training regime and tools simple. Therefore, validating the
use of the Talk Test (TT) for highly trained cyclists adds yet
another tool for the athlete to help gauge their exercise
intensity while training. Furthermore, many competitive
teams ride in groups on open roads where one might have
another team member on either side. During long endurance
training rides, conversation between riders naturally occurs.
Therefore, knowledge of the TT provides yet another func-
tional tool that riders can use. The TT can be a practical and
simple method for determining exercise intensity, stating
that if the “patient can just respond to conversation,” then

the exercise intensity may be “just about right” (7). The TT
has been shown to be an applicable method for predicting
exercise intensity in cardiac patients (2,15), healthy vol-
unteers (3,7), and recreational athletes (10). Furthermore,
the TT intensity has been demonstrated to fall within Amer-
ican College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) (1) suggested
training range for healthy individuals (7,8) and can be
applied to the clinical setting for rehabilitation of cardiac
patients (9).
Currently, no literature examines whether the TT is an
appropriate marker of exercise intensity among highly
trained endurance athletes. Recalde et al. (10) demonstrated
the use of the TT among recreational athletes (V_ O2peak: 50.9
ml$kg21$min21), but questioned if their results could be
extended to serious athletes. Furthermore, Quinn and
Coons (8) raised concern that their healthy and physically
active participant sample, with a maximal aerobic capacity
in the 80th percentile with regard to age (V_ O2max:
52.1 ml$kg21$min21) per ACSM standards, was a limitation
to their study. Therefore, the objective of this study was to
determine if the TT accurately gauges exercise intensity
among competitive highly trained male cyclists.
As mentioned, studies (3,7,10) have shown that if the par-
ticipant could either speak comfortably (positive TT) or not
speak comfortably (negative TT), they were exercising just
below or above their ventilatory threshold (VT), respectively.
When participants were unsure if speech was comfortable
(equivocal TT), exercise intensity was at or near their VT.
Therefore, we hypothesized that outcomes at the 3 TT stages
(positive, equivocal, and negative) for highly trained compet-
itive athletes would not differ from previous studies (3,7,10)
and that VT would occur at the equivocal stage.
METHODS
Experimental Approach to the Problem
To test the validity of the TT in highly trained competitive
male cyclists, we performed 2 identical graded exercise tests
(GXT): a maximal aerobic capacity test with metabolic gas
collection to identify VT and a TT to identify points at
which speech became uncomfortable. The stationary cycle
configuration used by each subject during the GXT was
replicated for the TT, and the same technicians performed
all testing procedures. Consequently, the only difference
between the GXT and TT was the collection of metabolic
gases during the GXT. The TT was administered at least 2
and no more than 7 days rest after the maximal GXT.
Subjects
Subjects were recruited by flyer and word of mouth among
the Albuquerque cycling community during the months of
late July and early August. This time of year represents the
near end of the New Mexico road racing season and three
quarters of the way through the New Mexico mountain bike
season. At this point in the racing season, participants were
in top form when tested and self-reported an average of
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13.8 6 3.93 hours of training per week. The study was
approved by the University of New Mexico’s Institutional
Review Board.
Before testing, participants read the approved informed
consent, including a detailed process of the procedures, risks,
and benefits involved, participants rights to withdraw at
anytime, and the care taken to fully ensure confidentially.
Participants were provided an opportunity to ask questions
and then gave written informed consent and completed
a health history questionnaire, training history survey, and
a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
Descriptive data for the 12 participants are presented in
Table 1. Inclusion criteria for participation required individ-
uals to hold a USA Cycling road license (category 4 racer or
higher) or mountain bike license (category 2 racer or high-
er), rank in the 85th percentile or higher for aerobic capacity
as per ACSM standards for men in their age range (1), com-
pete in at least 6 bike races per year, and engage in
a minimum of 5 hours of training per week during the cur-
rent racing season.
Procedures
On arrival at the exercise physiology laboratory for their first
test, subjects completed paperwork to ensure that they met
the study requirements. Height (Tanita Stadiometer, Tokyo,
Japan) and weight (Seca 884, Hamburg, Germany) were
measured. Percent body fat was calculated as described by
Evans et al. (4) using a 3-site skinfold assessment (abdomen,
thigh, and triceps). If 2 values of the same skinfold site dif-
fered by more than 1.0 mm, a third measurement was ob-
tained. The average of 2 values within 1.0 mm was used for
analysis. After anthropometric measurements, the subjects
adjusted the cycle ergometer to fit their individual needs
and followed a self-selected warm-up at a comfortable resis-
tance. During this time, the RPE 6-20 scale and other stan-
dard testing procedure instructions were explained.
Each subject was tested on 2 separate occasions on the
same electronically braked cycle ergometer (Lode Excalibur
Sport, Gronigen, the Netherlands) using similar methodol-
ogy from previous research (7,8,10,15). Participants were
TABLE 1. Descriptive characteristics of the
sample (N = 12).*
Variable Mean 6 SD Range
Age (yr) 26.5 6 4.6 21–37
Height (cm) 180.0 6 5.0 168.9–186.4
Body mass (kg) 71.9 6 7.6 59.0–83.8
Body fat (%) 9.6 6 2.5 6.8–13.9
V_ O2max 65.9 6 6.9 56.5–78.3
(ml$kg21$min21)
HR max (b$min21) 187.3 6 11.3 162–206
*HR, heart rate.
VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2015 | 895
 Talk Test for Highly Trained Cyclists
instructed to refrain from alcohol and caffeine consumption
24 hours before testing, come well hydrated, and avoid vig-
orous exercise 48 hours before testing, thus standardizing the
2 trials among our sample. The GXT test started at a work-
load of 60 W and increased 30 W every minute to volitional
fatigue. Three participants followed a 35 W$min21 incre-
ment because of higher perceived training status by re-
searchers. Subjects pedaled at a self-selected cadence of
approximately 90 RPM. Heart rate and RPE were recorded
at the end of each minute. Subjects were encouraged to
exercise until: (a) they believed that they could no longer
continue, (b) their cadence dropped below 50 RPM because
of fatigue, or (c) they had adverse symptoms related to the
testing. After data collection, subjects performed an active
cool-down against a reduced workload for at least 5 minutes.
The criteria used to identify achievement of maximal
exertion included: (a) a respiratory exchange ratio (RER)
.1.1, (b) plateau in V_ O2 #150 ml$min21, and (c) an RPE of
$17. Heart rate (610 b$min21 of 220-age) was omitted from
our criteria for a maximal test, as research has demonstrated
lower HRmax values in aerobically trained individuals
(13,16). Furthermore, the common HRmax prediction equa-
tion (220-age) seems to have very little scientific worth,
despite its common use (12). Metabolic gas exchange was
measured using open circuit spirometry (Parvo Medics
TrueOne 2400, Sandy, UT), and the analyzer was calibrated
to manufacturer’s specifications before each test. Heart rate
was monitored through radio telemetry (Polar PS1, Polar
Electro-Oy, Kempele, Finland) integrated to the metabolic
cart. Maximal oxygen consumption (V_ O2max) was defined as
the highest value achieved using an 11-breath running aver-
age. Ventilatory threshold was determined using the ventila-
tory equivalent method (11). Subsequently, the %V_ O2max
and %HRmax associated with VT was computed by dividing
the V_ O2 and HR associated with VT by the respective value
attained at the point of maximal exertion.
The TT took place 2–7 days after the GXT and followed
identical pretesting instructions and testing procedures, with
the only difference being that respiratory gas exchange was
TABLE 2. Variables of interest at various stages.*†
Variable At VT
V_ O2 (ml$kg21$min21) 49.9 6 6.0
% V_ O2max 75.8 6 5.2
HR (b$min21) 159.5 6 14.9
%HRmax 85.2 6 7.1
RPE 15.1 6 1.7
*HR = heart rate; HRmax = maximal heart rate; VT = ventilatory threshold; RPE = rating of perceived exertion.
†(+/+) indicates positive TT when subject could speak comfortably, (+/2) indicates equivocal TT when subject was unsure if
speech was comfortable, and (2/2) indicates a negative TT when subject could no longer speak comfortably.
zSignificant (p # 0.017) difference vs. at VT.
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896 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
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not collected. Because of scheduling constraints, time of day
was not standardized. Before testing, participants were asked
to read a standard passage (The Pledge of Allegiance) to
provide a baseline example of comfortable speech. This com-
mon passage was used in previous studies (7,8,10,15) and
taped to the wall for reference. Subjects adjusted the cycle
ergometer to their configuration used during the initial GXT
and began a self-selected warm-up at a comfortable resis-
tance. During this time, standard testing instructions were
explained to the participant. The TT started at a workload
of 60 W and followed the identical incremental increase used
during the respective GXT. Forty-five seconds into each
stage, subjects were asked to recite the passage; additionally,
HR and RPE were recorded at this time. The subjects were
then asked, “Can you speak comfortably?” Allowable answers
were: “Yes,” indicating a positive (+/+) TT, “I am not sure,”
indicating an equivocal (+/2) TT, or “No,” indicating a neg-
ative TT result. In accordance with methodology from pre-
vious research (7,8,10,15), the test was terminated when the
subject could no longer speak comfortably and failed the TT
(2/2). The subjective response to the question “Can you
speak comfortably?” was recorded and matched with that
stage’s HR and RPE. The highest stage at which the subject
indicated positive response (+/+), equivocal response (+/2),
and negative response (2/2) was subsequently coded as the
last positive, last equivocal, and last negative stages, respec-
tively. An active cool-down was performed after the test.
Statistical Analyses
To investigate the ability of the TT to accurately estimate
VT, our variables of interest (V_ O2, % V_ O2max, HR, %HRmax,
and RPE) corresponding to VT were compared with the last
positive (+/+), last equivocal (6), and negative (2/2)
stages of TT through a Student’s t-test. Given the multiple
comparisons, a Bonferroni’s adjustment (0.05/3) was applied
and statistical significance, consequently, was set at p # 0.017
(SPSS Statistics 17.0; IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Pearson’s
product-moment correlation was used to correlate HR and
RPE responses from protocol onset through VT and TT.
At Last (+/+) At Last (+/2) At (2/2)
32.9 6 7.7z 44.4 6 7.5z 48.8 6 7.8
49.9 6 9.9z 67.2 6 7.5z 73.9 6 7.1
128.7 6 18.7z 147.1 6 17.2 155.6 6 13.6
68.6 6 7.9z 78.5 6 7.4 83.1 6 5.3
11.1 6 1.1z 13.6 6 0.63 14.8 6 0.90

RESULTS
All subjects tolerated the trials without incident. Mean
outcome variables at VT and the last positive (+/+), last
equivocal (+/2), and negative (2/2) stages of the TT are
presented in Table 2. V_ O2, %V_ O2max, HR, %HRmax, and
RPE were significantly higher (p # 0.017) at VT as compared
with (+/+) stage. V_ O2 and %V_ O2max were significantly
higher at VT as compared with (+/2). Compared with
the values at VT, no differences existed among HR, %
HRmax, and RPE at (+/2) or for any variable at (2/2).
Heart rate (r = 0.93) and RPE (r = 0.89) from the 2 cycling
trials (recorded at identical stages) were strongly correlated.
DISCUSSION
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the TT is an
appropriate method to estimate exercise intensity for highly
trained competitive male cyclists. The results from our
sample of highly fit male endurance cyclists suggest that
the TT can be used to estimate exercise intensity. We found
that when the cyclist can speak comfortably (+/+), he is
exercising below his VT. When initial signs of uncomfortable
speech are clearly present (2/2), the athlete is exercising at
or very near his VT.
The equivocal stage (+/2) presents more uncertainty.
According to our results, significant differences existed
between V_ O2 and %V_ O2max at this TT stage as compared
with VT, whereas no significant differences existed for HR,
%HRmax, and RPE. Previous findings regarding the TT
have demonstrated that HR response is unaffected by reci-
tation of the passage during exercise (3). Although we asked
participants to follow pretesting guidelines, we could not
guarantee adherence to them for the 2 tests. Heart rate
can vary based on psychological status and other variables
(5,14). Additionally, the point of our research was to find an
alternative to HR that can be used to monitor exercise inten-
sity for highly trained competitive cyclists. Therefore,
although HR variables between the equivocal TT stage
and VT were not significantly different, we conclude that,
because V_ O2 at the equivocal (+/2) stage was on average 5.5
ml$kg21$min21 lower than VT, then at the point the cyclist
was uncertain if speech was comfortable, he is most likely
exercising below his VT.
Our results do not support our hypothesis that VT would
occur at the equivocal stage of the TT and also differed from
results of previous studies (3,7,8,10). Dehart-Beverley et al. (3)
found that when healthy regular exercisers could comfort-
ably respond (+/+) to exercise, they were at approximately
75% of their V_ O2peak and 85% of HRpeak. When their par-
ticipants were unsure if speech was comfortable (+/2), they
were exercising at 79% and 88% of V_ O2peak and HRpeak,
respectively. When their participants could no longer speak
comfortably (2/2), they were exercising at approximately
87% and 92% of V_ O2peak and HRpeak, respectively. These
data at all 3 stages of the TT are higher than those from our
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sample (Table 2). Dehart-Beverley et al. (3) found that par-
ticipants were exercising at their VT at the equivocal stage
(+/2) of the TT. Similar findings consistent with these are
seen in other studies (7,8,10) but are not supported by
our results.
Although our findings differ from previous studies, it is
critical to note that our sample had an average maximal
aerobic capacity of 65.9 6 6.9 ml$kg21$min21, VT occurred
near 76% V_ O2max, and all were competitive USA Cycling
licensed racers. Two of our subjects were above the 95th
percentile cutoff criterion (56.2 ml$kg21$min21), and the
other 10 were above the 99th percentile cutoff criterion
(61.2 ml$kg21$min21) for their age range as per ACSM
standards (1). The participants in other studies had a similar
average age, body mass, and height as ours but lower
V_ O2peak values (50.8 ml$kg21$min21 (10) and 52.1
ml$kg21$min21 (8)).
Although our results do not support those from previous
studies, we believe our results to be accurate and valid when
considering the differences in aerobic capacity between
samples. Very often in training and racing situations athletes
push themselves into a zone of severe discomfort to
maximize performance and results. Although not a direct
question on our pretest survey, it is highly likely that our
sample reaches maximal or near maximal efforts on a regular
basis during high-intensity training bouts and racing. Thus,
maximal efforts for our highly trained sample were likely
a more frequent occurrence than maximal efforts in the
samples represented in previous studies (3,7,8,10). Because of
differences in training status, it is likely that the discomfort
level perceived by our sample at the same relative workload
is lower than that of the healthy participants and recreational
athletes from previous studies. Therefore, it is logical to
expect that the point at which a highly trained athlete per-
ceives speech to be uncomfortable would occur at a later
point in the exercise test compared with sedentary and
healthy individuals. This different perception of discomfort
among highly trained athletes compared with a normal sam-
ple helps explain why our subjects’ VT fell within the neg-
ative (2/2) stage of the TT, whereas previous research
showed the VT to occur during the equivocal (+/2) stage.
Future research with a larger sample of similarly trained
athletes is needed to confirm our findings regarding the
differences between equivocal (+/2) and negative (2/2)
stages of the TT in relation to VT. Comparing the TT at
different altitudes would be of future interest. A large portion
of TT research has been conducted at an elevation of 204 m
in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and our studies were performed at
an elevation of 1,572 m. To help expand results to additional
populations, highly trained athletes should be drawn from
other endurance sports, not just cycling. Additionally,
research with highly trained female athletes is needed to
expand our understanding of the TT for both sexes. Further-
more, the TT should be investigated as to its validity and
accuracy as a means of exercise prescription among highly
VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2015 | 897
 Talk Test for Highly Trained Cyclists
trained athletes. Finally, standardizing both tests to the same
time of day should be used, as that was a limitation in our
study because of equipment and technician availability.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Coaches and athletes can draw from our results to help
monitor exercise intensity in those with characteristics
similar to our sample. Using the ventilatory equivalents
method, VT indicates the point at which there is a marked
increase in ventilatory equivalent of oxygen, which is defined
as the ventilation (VE) over oxygen consumption (VE/V_ O2)
that is not matched by a simultaneous increase in the venti-
latory equivalent of carbon dioxide (VE/V_ CO2); this occurs
near the lactate threshold. Fatigue occurs more quickly if
exercise continues at an intensity beyond the VT. Using
the TT during training sessions and competitive endurance,
events can provide a practical and convenient method to
help monitor an athlete’s exercise intensity with respect to
VT. If the athlete can speak comfortably (+/+), they are
exercising below their VT and can easily continue exercise
at that intensity. If the athlete is uncertain if speech is com-
fortable (+/2), he is exercising just below or very near his
VT. With the signs of the initial onset of uncomfortable
speech (2/2), the athlete is exercising at his VT and will
experience fatigue more quickly than at lower intensities.
Through such a simple and practical method of monitoring
exercise intensity, coaches can easily assign the desired train-
ing intensity at which they would like the athlete to exercise.
Furthermore, athletes can easily monitor their own exercise
intensity while training. Ultimately, the TT provides another
training tool in the “tool belt” to help monitor exercise
intensity.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Funding and equipment was provided by the University of
New Mexico’s Exercise Science Department. We sincerely
thank all subjects who kindly devoted their time and energy
for testing. This research was made possible by the Univer-
sity of New Mexico’s Exercise Science Program and their
commitment to students’ education. Thanks are extended
to the program for their generosity in allowing us to conduct
this study and utilize the laboratory resources. Specifically,
I thank James McCormick for the many hours he volun-
teered to help test participants, Dr. Mermier’s brilliance
regarding research methodology and laboratory techniques,
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898 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
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and Dr. Gibson’s dedication, guidance, and countless time
devoted throughout the entire study process.
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