800-m Running Research Articles

Sex-specific cardiometabolic risk markers of left ventricular mass in physically active young adults: the CHIEF heart study

Greater physical fitness may lead to greater left ventricular mass (LVM) and reduce the effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on LVM. However, the cardiometabolic biomarkers associations for LVM have not been clarified in physically active young adults. This study included 2019 men and 253 women, aged 18–43 years, from the military in Taiwan. All participants underwent anthropometric and blood metabolic markers measurements, and completed a 3000-m run test for assessing fitness. LVM was calculated on the basis of an echocardiography. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the sex-specific associations between cardiometabolic risk markers and LVM indexed for the body height (g/m2.7). In men, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), 3000-m running time, serum triglycerides, serum uric acid and waist circumference (WC) were correlated with LVM index (β = 0.07, 0.10, − 0.01, 0.01, 0.24 and 0.24, respectively; all p-values < 0.05). The correlations were not significant for fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In women, SBP, HDL-C and WC were correlated with LVM index in the univariate analysis (β = 0.07, − 0.05 and 0.32, respectively; all p-values < 0.05), whereas the correlation was only significant for WC in the multiple linear regression analysis (β = 0.20; p-value < 0.001). In physically active adults, the associations of cardiometabolic risk markers with LVM might vary by sex. Better endurance exercise performance associated with greater LVM was noted only in men, while greater WC was the only metabolic risk marker for greater LVM in both men and women.

Corelations Between Biological Growth and Motor Capacities of Primary School Children

The sample comprised in the research was represented by 57 students (29 girls (145.4±7.28 cm, 38.97±9.89 kg)) and 28 boys (143±6.55 cm, 38.61±8.22 kg)), aged between 10 – 12 years old. The types of measurements included in the study were as follows: anthropometrical measurements and biomotor measurements (standing long jump, abdominal endurance, motion velocity, and resistance). Results. Among girls, the analysis of Pearson’s correlation between the series of results indicates significant connectionsbetween the trials of standing long jump and 30-m speed run (r = 0.45, p=0.012), resistance run and torso raises, respectively (r = -0.57, p=0.001). Among boys, the significant differences were recorded between the BMI and the standing long jump (r=-0.39, p=0.036), 30-m speed run and standing long jump (r=-0.56, p=0.001) and 30-m speed run and 200-m resistance run (r=0.42, p=0.022).

The Compositional Impacts of 2 Distinct 24-Hour Movement Behavior Change Patterns on Physical Fitness in Chinese Adolescents.

The study aimed to examine predicted differences of 2 different behavior change patterns on physical fitness (PF). Participants were 241 students (51% girls) aged 11-14years from China. Light physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior (SB) were objectively measured. Sleep was obtained by subtracting from awake time. According to Chinese National student PF standards, 5 components of PF, including body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, muscular explosive power and strength endurance, and flexibility, were assessed. The effects of different time reallocations between 24-hour movement behaviors on PF were estimated based on adjusted compositional multiple linear regression models with isometric log ratios. Compared with MVPA substituting for the remaining behaviors, MVPA replacing SB or light physical activity produced more favorable changes on the comprehensive PF score, cardiorespiratory fitness, explosive power, and speed. MVPA replacing 30minutes of SB was associated with favorable changes in PF (+1.9 [0.53, 3.18] points), 50-m run (-0.17 [-0.31, -0.04] s), long-distance running (-5.54s [for girls]/7.25s [for boys]), and long jump (+0.05 [0.01, 0.09] m). When sleep replaced SB, PF improved. MVPA substituting SB or light physical activity is a strategy with a greater improvement in PF.

Building Standard Levels to Assess the Level of Some Elements of Fitness Related to Health among Junior Footballers

This study aimed to build standard levels to assess the level of some elements of physical fitness related to health among the juniors of Al-Faisali Football Club Academy, as well as to identify the differences in the tests due to the variable of height, weight and age. The researcher used a set of standardized tests that have a high degree of validity and reliability to measure the physical fitness elements of the subject of the study. The sample included (123) young players registered in the academy. The study reached to build standard levels for the juniors of the Al-Faisaly Football Club Academy, as well as the results of the study showed that there are differences between the averages of tests of explosive power, agility, transitional speed and grip strength of the right and left hand due to the variables of age, height and weight, while there were no differences in the 1000m running tests and the 30-second stomach repeat test due to the study variables. The study recommends building standard levels to measure the elements of fitness for other games, specifically for juniors.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 7 December 2021 / Accepted: 26 January 2022 / Published: 5 March 2022

Changes in Physical Fitness during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study.

The negative impact of COVID-19 on physical activity has been improved, while the research on changes in physical fitness that may be caused by physical inactivity is still scarce. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on physical fitness, and the impact of initial physical fitness indicators on their changes during the lockdown in adolescents. A longitudinal study including 265 adolescents aged 14.1 ± 0.4 years old was conducted in China. Physical fitness measurement at baseline and follow-up were respectively measured before (November 2019) and after the lockdown (July 2020). Several physical fitness indicators including aerobic fitness (i.e., 800-m or 1000-m run) and explosive force (i.e., 50-m sprint) deteriorated during the lockdown. Whereas the performances of vital capacity, flexibility (i.e., sit and reach), and muscular strength (i.e., pull-ups) were significantly improved during the lockdown. Furthermore, the reduction in physical fitness for adolescents with higher physical fitness before the lockdown was greater than that for others. These findings may contribute to the development of targeted intervention strategies for physical fitness promotion during the lockdown caused by the public health emergency.

Ndicators of physical fitness of handball players of the youth team of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Strict coordination of the orientation of the educational and training process and the specific requirements of competitive activity is necessary to further improvement of the methods of modern sports training. The whole process of long-term preparation of a sportsman should be focused on the effective prediction of the potential capabilities of a sportsman and the minimization of pedagogical errorsin determining the modes of training loads in the youth development period. The purpose of the researchis to improve the special physical training of handball players of youth age. Material and research methods.30 sportsmen, members of the youth handball team with sports qualifications –candidates in masters of sports and the 1stcategory were examined. The control group trained according to a traditional program designed for handball players of youth age. Integrated training methods are used in the training process of the experimental group, including specific means used in game sports. Results.Using the experimental program in the training process of the experimental group made it possible to reliably increase the performance in 3000 m run, 1000 m run, in the triple jump, in dribbling 8 (p&lt;0,05). Other tests were also positive, but their changes were unreliable (p&gt;0,05). Controls tended to improve, but the changes were insignificant (p&gt;0,05). Conclusions.Using the experimental program improved the physical fitness of handball players of the experimental group. The qualitative growth was 3000 m in running –7,11%, in 1000m run -by 8,66%, in shuttle run -by 4,26%, in a complex exercise -by 2,13%, in triple jump -by 6,74%, in shots for accuracy -by 10,5%, in dribbling 8 -by 8,2%, in bending and breaking hands in hang on a crossbar -by 13,04%.

Experimental Study on Effects of Physical Exercise Function Training on Physical Health of Primary School Students

Recently, the physical health problems of children in China have attracted extensive attention. The education department has issued a notice on further strengthening the physical health management of primary and secondary schools. Many studies have shown that physical exercise function training has unique advantages in promoting the healthy development of students' physique and is unaffected by venues or weather. This study aims to explore and verify the intervention effect of physical exercise function training on students’ physical health indicators, including physical shape, function, and quality. It also intends to practically explore the improvement of students' physical health status and expand their physical education and health curriculum. Sixty-four elementary school students were selected to participate in the experiment: 32 were in the experimental group and 32 in the control group. The experiment was conducted three times a week for 10 weeks. The experimental group performed physical exercise function training teaching. The control group underwent routine PE teaching. Before and after the experiment, the compulsory indexes of Grade 4 in the national physical health standard for students (revised in 2014) were selected for the test, including height, weight, vital capacity, 50m running, sitting forward flexion, 1-minute rope skipping, and 1-minute sit-ups. Body shape, physical function, and physical quality of the two groups were measured and analyzed. Independent sample t-tests showed that there was no significant difference in body shape, physical function, and physical quality between the two groups before the experiment, and no statistically significant difference in body shape between the experimental and control groups after the experiment (p &gt; 0.05). The tests also showed that the physical function of the experimental group improved significantly compared to the control group after the experiment (t lung capacity = -2.346, p = 0.022). The experimental group improved significantly more than the control group in the 50m running, 1-minute rope skipping, and 1-minute sit-ups (t 50m running = -2.192, p = 0.032; t 1-minute rope skipping = 2.071, p = 0.043; t 1-minute sit ups = 2.035, p = 0.046). No statistically significant difference was found in sitting forward flexion between the experimental and control groups after the experiment (t sitting forward flexion = 1.555, p = 0.125). The exercise intervention has no effects on improving primary school students’ body shape. However, it has a significant effect on improving their physical function, and their vital capacity is significantly enhanced. The intervention effectively improved students’ 50m running, 1-minute rope skipping, and 1-minute sit-ups performance. In the control group, the physical health levels were slightly improved in routine physical education teaching. Therefore, designing a special physical exercise function training program is reasonable for improving the physical health of primary school students.

Association Between Preseason Fitness Level and Risk of Injury or Illness in Male Elite Ice Hockey Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background:Little is known about the association between physical fitness and the risk of injury or illness in ice hockey. The least-fit players may be more prone to injury and illness.Purpose:To examine the association between preseason fitness level and injury or illness risk among elite ice hockey players during the regular season.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 133 male ice hockey players in the GET League (the premier professional league in Norway) completed 8 different exercises (40-m sprint, countermovement jump, 3000-m run, squat, bench press, chin-ups, brutal bench, and box jump) at the annual 1-day preseason testing combine. During the 2017-2018 competitive season, the players reported all health problems (acute injuries, overuse injuries, and illnesses) weekly (31 weeks) using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems.Results:Overall, the players reported 191 acute injuries, 82 overuse injuries, and 132 illnesses. The least-fit tercile of players did not report more health problems (mean, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-3.8) compared with the most-fit (mean, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.6-4.2) or the medium-fit (mean, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.9-3.5) players. The most-fit players reported more substantial health problems (mean, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.5) compared with the medium-fit (mean, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8 -1.8) and least-fit (mean, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3) (P = .02) players. There was no association between low physical fitness and number of health problems when comparing the least-fit tercile of the players with the rest of the cohort (P > .05); however, there was an association between low physical fitness and greater severity of all health problems when comparing the least-fit tercile of players to the rest of the cohort after adjusting for time on ice per game, playing position, and age (P = .02).Conclusion:Low physical fitness was not associated with increased rate of injury or illness but was associated with greater severity of all health problems after adjusting for time on ice per game, playing position, and age.

The effectiveness of the use of ancillary equipment in speed and strength training of athletes

Physical training of athletes, along with improving the technique of competitive exercises, the ability to correctly calculate the strength of the distance and show a certain result, is one of the most important components of the training process. Insufficient level of physical fitness of athletes, namely speed and strength training, prevents the effective overcoming of both parts of the distance and it as a whole, which does not allow to effectively realize their potential in competitive activities. The article analyzes the effectiveness of the use of auxiliary equipment in speed and strength training of athletes aged 14-15 years in the amount of 20 people. All athletes had the same level of training at the beginning of the study and trained with one coach. Accordingly, the number of training sessions and the conditions for their conduct were the same for all subjects. The following ancillary equipment was used during the study: rubber band, various steps, weights of different weights. Changes in the speed and strength training of athletes were studied. To comprehensively assess the impact of the use of ancillary equipment, tests were selected to assess the level of development of speed and strength qualities of athletes of different muscle groups. The following exercises were used: long jump from a place, jump up from a place, run for 30 meters from a high start, throw of a stuffed ball with two hands from behind a head on distance standing. It is proved that the results of the test of throwing a stuffed ball with two hands from behind the head at a standing distance of 41% increased the most significantly. The performance of the 30m run improved by 17.5%. According to the jump test, the results improved by 13.9%. This is due to the fact that in addition to the use of ancillary equipment, athletes during the preparatory part of the lesson and at the end of the main part actively use general preparatory exercises with jumping up.The lowest growth rate of results was established by the results of the long jump test - 2.9%. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of the use of auxiliary equipment in the training process of athletes. However, the development of new methodological approaches to the development of other leading motor skills of athletes remains unresolved, which emphasizes the prospects for further research.

The Association of Smartphone Usage Duration with Physical Fitness among Chinese University Students.

Background: The use of smartphones has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, especially among the youth. However, smartphone overuse has been reported to be related to several negative mental and physical health outcomes. Although the association between smartphone use and physical fitness has been investigated in several studies, these studies only focused on specific elements of physical fitness, such as grip strength. In addition, evidence on young adults is limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between the duration of smartphone use and physical fitness among Chinese university students. Methods: A total of 11,242 university students volunteered to participate in the study. The duration of smartphone use was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Physical fitness tests consisted of a 50-m sprint and vital capacity tests for both sexes, a 1000-m run and pull-up test for male students, and an 800-m run and sit-up test for female students. Results: The duration of smartphone use among the participants was 5.4 h/day for male students and 6.1 h/day for female students on average. After adjusting for confounding factors, in male students, a long duration of smartphone use was significantly associated with a slow 50 m sprint and 1000 m run time, lower pull-up times, and poor vital capacity (p = 0.004, 0.002, 0.002 and 0.040, respectively). In female students, a long duration of smartphone use was associated with a slow 800 m run time (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that longer duration of smartphone use was associated with lower physical fitness among Chinese university students. The duration of smartphone use may be an influencing factor for physical fitness.

Knee Flexor Eccentric Strength, Hamstring Muscle Volume and Sprinting in Elite Professional Soccer Players with a Prior Strained Hamstring.

Simple SummaryGiven the link between a prior hamstring injury and the increased risk of suffering a subsequent injury in professional soccer, an understanding of the features displayed by previously injured players is important. The aim of the present study was to investigate if players with a history of hamstring injury exhibit bilateral deficits in knee flexor eccentric strength, hamstring muscle volume, and sprinting performance. The eccentric knee flexor strength was greater in the previously injured limbs compared to both the contralateral uninjured limbs in the previously injured group and the uninjured limbs in the previously uninjured players. Previously injured limbs showed possibly larger short heads of the biceps femoris and likely semitendinosus muscle volumes. Sprinting performances in the 5-m were possibly worse in players with a history of hamstring muscle strain injury compared to the previously uninjured players.The aim was to determine if players with a prior hamstring strain injury (HSI) exhibit bilateral deficits in knee flexor eccentric strength and hamstring muscle volume and differences in sprinting performance compared with players without a history of HSIs. Forty-six male professional soccer players participated in this study. Eccentric knee flexor strength, hamstring muscle volume (MRI), and a 20-m running sprint test (5- and 10-m split time) were assessed at the start of the preseason. Eccentric knee strength of the previously injured limbs of injured players was greater (ES: 1.18–1.36) than the uninjured limbs in uninjured players. Previously injured limbs showed possibly larger biceps femoris short heads (BFSh) and likely semitendinosus (ST) muscle volumes than the contralateral uninjured limbs among the injured players (ES: 0.36) and the limbs of the uninjured players (ES: 0.56), respectively. Players who had experienced a previous HSI were possibly slower in the 5-m (small ES: 0.46), while unclear differences were found in both the 10-m and 20-m times. Players with a prior HSI displayed greater eccentric knee flexor strength, possibly relatively hypertrophied ST and BFSh muscles, and possibly reduced 5-m sprinting performances than previously uninjured players. This can have implication for the design of secondary hamstring muscle injury prevention strategies.

Relationship between digit ratio of 2D:4D and The physical health among college students of han ethnicity in Southern Fujian

Introduction: Studying the association between finger length ratios of 2D:4D and the physical health among college students of Han ethnicity in Southern Fujian can provide an indirect macrobiology reference index for early predictions of physical health status. Material and Methods: A total of 835 students in Southern Fujian were selected as test subjects through a stratified cluster sampling method. The 2D:4D ratio was recorded using physical measurement methods. The body mass index (BMI), vital capacity, 50-m run, and sit-and-reach test results were collected and analyzed based on the National Student's Health Standards. Results: Among male Han college students in Southern Fujian, the left 2D:4D ratio was negatively correlated with the vital capacity and sit-and-reach test results, while the right 2D:4D ratio was negatively correlated with the vital capacity, 50-m run, and sit-and-reach test results, as well as the comprehensive evaluation result of physical health. Among female Han college students in Southern Fujian, the left 2D:4D ratio was positively correlated with BMI and negatively correlated with the vital capacity, 50-m run, and 800-m run results, as well as the comprehensive evaluation result of physical health. The right 2D:4D ratio was negatively correlated with the vital capacity, 50-m run, 800-m run, and sit-and-reach test results, as well as the comprehensive evaluation results of physical health. The comprehensive evaluation results of physical health were statistically significant differences among low, medium, and high bilateral 2D:4D groups of female students, with poorer results in the high 2D:4D group than that of the medium and low 2D:4D groups. Discussion and Conclusion: The bilateral 2D:4D ratio of female and right 2D:4D ratio of male Han college students in Southern Fujian has a correlation with the comprehensive evaluation of physical health, which can serve as one of the reference indexes for adolescents' early health education, physical health monitoring, dietary intervention, and athlete selection.

EXAMINATION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA AND LEVEL OF MOTOR SKILLS OF YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Based on the data obtained in the study, it was possible to conclude the following: insufficient level of motor fitness of the surveyed young football players was revealed. Anthropometric signs of athletes do not always positively correlate with the performance of motor tests. On the other hand, indicators of body length and weight, the length of the lower limbs have positive effect on the results in running tests - running at 20m running. on the move, running endurance and shuttle test. And, finally, in order to increase the level of sporting preparedness of young football players (special endurance, jumping ability, speed), it is necessary to increase the amount of means used, and, naturally, both loads during training sessions.

The Effect of Functional Strength Training Using Relative Weights on Some Special Physical Abilities and Achieving 400m running for Men

The research aimed at designing functional strength training using relative weights that develop special abilities and 400m running achievement for men. The researchers used the experimental method on (8) elite 400m runners (over 20 years) divided equally into two groups; experimental and control to conclude that there is a significant development in the level of special abilities for 400m running due to functional strength training with weights. The researchers recommended using this training for developing muscular strength in all sport activities in general and in 400m running in particular. They also recommended making similar studies using a relative weight that are adjustable.

Special Speed Endurance Effect of 800m Running on Some Physiological Indictors and Achievement of Physically Disabled Men Class (T47 – T46)

The research aimed at identifying the effect of special speed endurance training on some physiological indicators in 800m runners with physical disabilities. The researchers used the experimental method on (4) physically disabled 800m runners. They concluded significant differences in the subjects under study as well as significant differences in some physiological indicators during rest and after physical effort. The results show development in the level of some physiological indicators during rest and after effort. The researchers recommended using these training programs in individual sports as well as team sports for physically disabled athletes.

Mathematical model of the influence of the time of start reaction in 100 m sprint run

The purpose of this study is to explain the influence of the time of start reaction tR to the results of sprinters in a 100 m run, using a new simple mathematical model based on the measured values for distance s, corresponding time t, and tR. The research is based on IAAF data obtained by measuring the segment length, the time of start reaction, transient times in 100 m run, and final times for the top sprinters C. Lewis (1988); M. Green (2011), and U. Bolt (2009) (men) and F. Griffith-Joyner (1988); E. Ashford (1988), and H. Drechsler (1988) (women). The values of the start reaction tR for both male and female top sprinters indicate that there appear no substantial differences in the values of tR based on gender which would directly favor male or female sprinters in achieving the top results in the 100m run. The influence of the time of start reaction tR decreases exponentially with the time t during the run (t&gt;tR) and ends up at about 30 m, influencing the initial velocity vR although it is not directly related to the result of the run. Due to its applicative simplicity, the presented mathematical model and related conclusions can represent a solid basis for future studies concerning sprint running.

Peak Blood Lactate Concentration and Its Arrival Time Following Different Track Running Events in Under-20 Male Track Athletes.

To determine (1) the time of arrival of peak blood lactate concentration ([BLa]peak) followed by various track events and (2) significant correlation, if any, between average velocity and [BLa]peak in these events. In 58 under-20 male track athletes, heart rate was recorded continuously and blood lactate concentration was determined at various intervals following 100-m (n = 9), 200-m (n = 8), 400-m (flat) (n = 9), 400-m hurdles (n = 8), 800-m (n = 9), 1500-m (n = 8), 3000-m steeplechase (n = 7), and 5000-m (n = 10) runs. The [BLa]peak, in mmol/L, was recorded highest following the 400-m run (18.27 [3.65]) followed by 400-m hurdles (16.25 [3.14]), 800-m (15.53 [3.25]), 1500-m (14.71 [3.00]), 200-m (14.42 [3.40]), 3000-m steeplechase (11.87 [1.48]), 100-m (11.05 [2.36]), and 5000-m runs (8.65 [1.60]). The average velocity of only the 400-m run was found to be significantly correlated (r = .877, p < 0.05) with [BLa]peak. The arrival time of [BLa]peak following 100-m, 200-m, 400-m, 400-m hurdles, 800-m, 1500-m, 3000-m steeplechase, and 5000-m runs was 4.44 (0.83), 4.13 (0.93), 4.22 (0.63), 3.75 (0.83), 3.34 (1.20), 2.06 (1.21), 1.71 (1.44), and 1.06 (1.04)minutes, respectively, of the recovery period. In under-20 runners, (1)[BLa]peak is highest after the 400-m run, (2)the time of appearance of [BLa]peak varies from one event to another but arrives later after sprint events than longer distances, and (3)the 400-m (flat) run is the only event wherein the performance is significantly correlated with the [BLa]peak.

Head Trajectory Diagrams for Gait Symmetry Analysis Using a Single Head-Worn IMU.

Gait symmetry analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of pathological gait. Recently, wearable devices have also been developed for simple gait analysis solutions. However, measurement in clinical settings can differ from gait in daily life, and simple wearable devices are restricted to a few parameters, providing one-sided trajectories of one arm or leg. Therefore, head-worn devices with sensors (e.g., earbuds) should be considered to analyze gait symmetry because the head sways towards the left and right side depending on steps. This paper proposed new visualization methods using head-worn sensors, able to facilitate gait symmetry analysis outside as well as inside. Data were collected with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) based motion capture system when twelve participants walked on the 400-m running track. From head trajectories on the transverse and frontal plane, three types of diagrams were displayed, and five concepts of parameters were measured for gait symmetry analysis. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of step counting was lower than 0.65%, representing the reliability of measured parameters. The methods enable also left-right step recognition (MAPE ≤ 2.13%). This study can support maintenance and relearning of a balanced healthy gait in various areas with simple and easy-to-use devices.

Continuous Tracking of Foot Strike Pattern during a Maximal 800-Meter Run.

(1) Background: Research into foot strike patterns (FSP) has increased due to its potential influence on performance and injury reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in FSP throughout a maximal 800-m run using a conformable inertial measurement unit attached to the foot; (2) Methods: Twenty-one subjects (14 female, 7 male; 23.86 ± 4.25 y) completed a maximal 800-m run while foot strike characteristics were continually assessed. Two measures were assessed across 100-m intervals: the percentage of rearfoot strikes (FSP%RF), and foot strike angle (FSA). The level of significance was set to p ≤ 0.05; (3) Results: There were no differences in FSP%RF throughout the run. Significant differences were seen between curve and straight intervals for FSAAVE (F [1, 20] = 18.663, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.483); (4) Conclusions: Participants displayed decreased FSA, likely indicating increased plantarflexion, on the curve compared to straight intervals. The analyses of continuous variables, such as FSA, allow for the detection of subtle changes in foot strike characteristics, which is not possible with discrete classifiers, such as FSP%RF.

The 180/20 intermittent athletic test: A new intermittent track test to assess the maximal aerobic speed in middle-distance runners

Objective: The training of middle-distance runners is based on intermittent exercises. However, no study has proposed intermittent test to assess endurance performance for middle-distance athletes. The aims of the present study are 1) to develop a new specific testing for middle-distance runners entitled the 180/20 intermittent athletic test and to examine the validity of this test as compared to a standard continuous test 2) to check whether the maximal aerobic speed obtained from the 180/20 intermittent athletic test is related to the 800-m performance.&#x0D; Methods: Nineteen male middle-distance runners (age: 21.3 ± 2.2 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.04 m, and body mass: 68.8 ± 3.8 kg) performed in a random order three field-tests: a standard test, the 180/20 intermittent athletic test and 800-m time-trial. The new test consisted of repeated 180m distance runs interspersed with 20m of active recovery performed until exhaustion. The speed is increased by 0.5 km.h-1 every 200 m.&#x0D; Results: The results of this study showed the maximal aerobic speed achieved during the new test was significantly correlated to the maximal aerobic speed determined from a standard test (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.05) with low agreement limits (-1.69–1.48 km.h-1) without systematic bias (-0.10 km.h-1). The maximal aerobic speed in new test was better correlated to the 800-m running performance than the maximal aerobic speed achieved during a standard test (r = -0.78 and r = -0.66, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusions: The 180/20 intermittent athletic test is a valid test for scheduling intermittent training sessions in middle-distance runners.