Relationship among Aerobic, Lung, and Anaerobic Capacity in Middle-long Distance Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of our study was investigate the correlation among aerobic, lung, and anaerobic capacity in improving the performance of middle- and long-distance athletes. The participants were divided into a high school group (n = 11) and college and senior group (n = 25). The aerobic capacity was measured using the maximal graded exercise test to measure the maximum oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, and running time. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured for lung capacity, and the peak power, average power, and fatigue index were measured for anaerobic capacity using the Wingate test. The correlation between the measured variables was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The VO2max of the high school group showed a significant correlation with anaerobic threshold (r = 0.791) and running time (r = 0.852). The college and senior group showed a significant correlation with anaerobic threshold (r = 0.502), running time (r = 0.586), and fatigue index (r = -0.451). The total group showed a significant correlation with anaerobic threshold (r = 0.678), running time (r = 0.739), peak power (r = -0.338), and fatigue index (r = -0.337). The lung capacity test variables were not significantly correlated with the aerobic capacity variables in any group. Anaerobic endurance is needed to improve the aerobic ability and performance of middle- and long-distance athletes.