Physiological parameters related to running performance in college trackmen.

Abstract

Submaximal and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were correlated with running performance in events ranging from 100 yards to 2 miles, using as subjects 20 members of a college track team. In the first of two studies (n=11) a multi-stage walking test was used to determine VO2 and HR. Max VO2 expressed in ml/kg/min, was significantly related to 1 mile run performance but not to any of the other runs. Submaximal HR was significantly related to performance in both the 1 mile and 2 mile runs. Correlations between these physiological parameters and performance in the 220, 440, and 880 yard runs were nonsignificant. Multiple R's using max VO2 (ml/kg/min) and submaximal H were .758 and 9671, respectively, for the 1 and 2 mile runs. In study two (n=9) a running test for VO2 and HR was used, which resulted in a mean max VO2 about 7 ml higher than than elicited in the walking test, implying that for trained runners a running test was a more valid test of aerobic power. Marked relationships were found between body weight and performance, positive for the 100 yard dash and negative for the 2 mile run. Submaximal HR was again significantly related to performance in the 1 and 2 mile runs. Max VO2 was positively related to 2 mile performance and negatively related to 100 yard dash performance. Multiple R's using max VO2 and submaximal HR were .799 and .925 for the 1 and 2 mile runs, respectively. Using submaximal HR and weight the multiple R's were .777 and .945, showing that these two can account for a large amount of the variance in distance running performance. In neither study was submaximal VO2 significantly related to running performance.