Abstract
Sports performance is a multifactorial trait that can be associated with individual and environmental characteristics. In this study, the sample comprised 35 male runners, enrolled in the “InTrack” project. Information regarding variables related to runners’ training was obtained via an online questionnaire, while anthropometric and body composition variables, as well as physical fitness components (muscular power, isometric strength, local muscular endurance, agility, and aerobic capacity) were measured, and a global physical fitness score (based on physical fitness components measured) was computed. The Weltman test (3200 m) was used to estimate runners’ pace and their stride frequency. Linear regression was used, taking the running pace as dependent variable. The final model, comprising biological, physical fitness, spatiotemporal, and training variables, explained 86% of the running performance variance. Muscular power (β = −1.02; 95% CI = (−1.69)–(−0.35)), abdominal muscle endurance (β = −4.81; 95% CI = (−7.52)–(−2.10)), isometric strength (β = −422.95; 95% CI = (−689.65)–(−156.25)), global physical fitness (β = 27.14; 95% CI = 9.52–45.03), and stride frequency (β = −2.99; 95% CI = (−4.29)–(−1.69)) were significantly associated with performance, meaning that better results in tests and increasing the stride frequency leads to better performance. Individual characteristics and physical fitness components were demonstrated to be significant predictors for running performance.
Highlights
The increasing number of runners around the world [1] has led researches and coaches to investigate factors related to performance [2,3], aiming to understand the predictors that could differentiate runners into distinct groups
A great variability within and between groups for each physical fitness component test was observed, based on results presented on Table 1
Recreational runners showed the lowest global physical fitness score when compared against semi-professional runners (U = 10.00; p-adjusted = 0.04)
Summary
The increasing number of runners around the world [1] has led researches and coaches to investigate factors related to performance [2,3], aiming to understand the predictors that could differentiate runners into distinct groups. In this context, aerobic characteristics and physiological factors, such as VO2máx [4], anaerobic threshold [5], and running economy [6], have been largely investigated [7,8]. Athletes must provide a quick response to these constraints which, for example, may require agility, muscular resistance, and/or lower body strength These components have been considered key factors for running performance, due to their influence in movement efficiency [9]. Little is known about the role of these anaerobic components to explain (and to differentiate) runners’ performance [10], given that most published studies have examined the association between strength and power among short distance runners (10–300 m) [11]
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