Comparisons Between a Novel Running Index and Running Performance Measures in Well Trained Runners

Abstract

Running performance is characterised by a combination of physiological and biomechanical variables. Heart rate, cardio-respiratory aspects, running speed, cadence and running economy all contribute to running performance. A novel running index algorithm, built into a novel running computer, has been developed taking into account individual cardio-respiratory responses and running speed to provide a performance indicator for individual training sessions. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the Running Index TM to conventional laboratory and field test measurements. In particular, Running Index TM (RI) was compared to VO2max obtained during an incremental treadmill running test and to the total distance covered during a Cooper test performed on an athletic track. METHODS: Forty-seven club level runners (24 males and 23 females; Age 33.3 + 6 years; % Body Fat 19.6 + 6.3%) regularly training to prepare running competitions voluntarily participated in the study approved by the Harrow Hospital Ethics Committee. The subjects were asked to perform a standard laboratory maximal graded treadmill (MGT) test (Oxycon Pro, Jaeger, Germany) and two days following the MGT they were asked to perform a 12 min. Cooper test (CT) on an athletics track. During the MGT tests subjects were asked to wear a chest belt, a receiver and a stride sensor attached to the shoes (Polar RS800, Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland) for running index measurements. RESULTS: VO2max was 55.2 + 7.2 ml.kg.min-1 (mean + sd), the distance covered during the CT was 2959.8 + 369.3m, CT derived VO2max was 54.9 + 8.2 ml.kg. min-1, RI 49.6 + 8.0. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between RI and MGT VO2max (r=0.60; p< 0.001), RI and CT (r=0.71; P<0.001) and RI and CT derived VO2max (r=0.71; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that Running Index TM represents a good indicator of running performance. Furthermore, it supports the idea that RI could be used as a simple sub-maximal field measure to predict running performance in well trained runners.