Mean Performance Times Research Articles

Determining the effect and magnitude of advanced footwear technology on female distance running performance

There is limited work, to date, in which the potential performance-enhancing effects of Advanced Footwear Technology (AFT) in the female elite athlete has been considered. This study aimed to retrospectively explore publicly available race data for a marathon, half-marathon, and 10-km elite events to analyse the effect of AFT, along with athlete and event characteristics, to determine the effect on female running performance. Race performance times for the top 20 female athletes within the world were extracted from 1990 to 2020 (n = 1722), along with athlete and event characteristics from 2010 to 2020 (n = 660). Data for race shoes were available for 655 of the 660 performances. The changes in grouped mean performance times over the years that AFT had been adopted were compared with the grouped mean of the corresponding number of years immediately prior show marathon, half-marathon, and 10-km performance times were 1.7, 1.72, and 1.75% (p < 0.001, pη2 > 0.220) faster during the AFT period. Repeated performance analysis comparing the improvement in race times between the control group and athletes who adopted AFT showed athletes who adopted AFT improved significantly more over the marathon (2.64%, p < 0.001) and half-marathon (1.67%, p < 0.002). Advanced Footwear Technology correlated (r > 0.50) with improvements in the marathon and half-marathon, but not the 10-km. Based on multiple regression modelling, it can be suggested that wearing AFT improves marathon race time by 78 s (0.93%), and half-marathon race time by 28 s (0.71%). Based on these results, we observe a small but meaningful performance-enhancing effect of AFT within elite female athletes.

Evaluating the influence of music at different sound pressure levels on medical students\u2019 performance of standardized laparoscopic box training exercises

BackgroundThe influence of music on the performance of surgical procedures such as laparoscopy is controversial and methodologically difficult to quantify. Here, outcome measurements using laparoscopic box training tools under standardized conditions might offer a feasible approach. To date, the effect of music exposure at different sound pressure levels (SPL) on outcome has not been evaluated systematically for laparoscopic novices.MethodsBetween May 2017 and October 2018, n = 87 students (49 males, 38 females) from Heidelberg University Medical School performed three different laparoscopy exercises using the “Luebecker Toolbox” that were repeated twice under standardized conditions. Time was recorded for each run. All students were randomly assigned to four groups exposed to the same music compilation but at different SPLs (50–80 dB), an acoustically shielded (earplug) group, or a control group (no intervention).ResultsBest absolute performance was shown under exposure to 70 dB in all three exercises (a, b, c) with mean performance time of 121, 142, and 115 s (p < 0.05 for a and c). For the control group mean performance times were 157, 144, and 150 s, respectively. In the earplug group, no significant difference in performance was found compared to the control group (p > 0.05) except for exercise (a) (p = 0.011).ConclusionMusic exposure seems to have beneficial effects on training performance. In comparison to the control group, significantly better results were reached at 70 dB SPL, while exposure to lower (50 or 60 dB) or higher (80 dB) SPL as well as under acoustic shielding did not influence performance.

Short-Term Heat Acclimation and Precooling, Independently and Combined, Improve 5-km Time Trial Performance in the Heat.

James, CA, Richardson, AJ, Watt, PW, Willmott, AGB, Gibson, OR, and Maxwell, NS. Short-term heat acclimation and precooling, independently and combined, improve 5-km time trial performance in the heat. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1366-1375, 2018-Following heat acclimation (HA), endurance running performance remains impaired in hot vs. temperate conditions. Combining HA with precooling (PC) demonstrates no additive benefit in intermittent sprint, or continuous cycling exercise protocols, during which heat strain may be less severe compared to endurance running. This study investigated the effect of short-term HA (STHA) combined with mixed methods PC, on endurance running performance and directly compared PC and HA. Nine amateur trained runners completed 5-km treadmill time trials (TTs) in the heat (32° C, 60% relative humidity) under 4 conditions; no intervention (CON), PC, short-term HA (5 days-HA) and STHA with PC (HA + PC). Mean (±SD) performance times were; CON 1,476 (173) seconds, PC 1,421 (146) seconds, HA 1,378 (116) seconds and HA + PC 1,373 (121) seconds. This equated to the following improvements versus CON; PC -3.7%, HA -6.6% and HA + PC -7.0%. Statistical differences were only observed between HA and CON (p = 0.004, d = 0.68, 95% CI [-0.27 to 1.63]) however, similar effect sizes were observed for HA + PC vs. CON (d = 0.70, 95% CI [-0.25 to 1.65]), with smaller effects between PC vs. CON (d = 0.34, 95% CI [-0.59 to 1.27]), HA vs. PC (d = 0.33, 95% CI [-0.60 to 1.26]) and HA + PC vs. PC (d = 0.36, 95% CI [-0.57 to 1.29]). Pilot testing revealed a TT typical error of 16 seconds (1.2%). Precooling offered no further benefit to performance in the acclimated individual, despite modest alleviation of physiological strain. Maintenance of running speed in HA + PC, despite reduced physiological strain, may indicate an inappropriate pacing strategy therefore, further familiarization is recommended to optimize a combined strategy. Finally, these data indicate HA, achieved through cycle training, yields a larger ergogenic effect than PC on 5-km running performance in the heat, although PC remains beneficial when HA is not possible.

The impact of crosstalk on three-dimensional laparoscopic performance and workload.

This is the first study to explore the effects of crosstalk from 3D laparoscopic displays on technical performance and workload. We studied crosstalk at magnitudes that may have been tolerated during laparoscopic surgery. Participants were 36 voluntary doctors. To minimize floor effects, participants completed their surgery rotations, and a laparoscopic suturing course for surgical trainees. We used a counterbalanced, within-subjects design in which participants were randomly assigned to complete laparoscopic tasks in one of six unique testing sequences. In a simulation laboratory, participants were randomly assigned to complete laparoscopic 'navigation in space' and suturing tasks in three viewing conditions: 2D, 3D without ghosting and 3D with ghosting. Participants calibrated their exposure to crosstalk as the maximum level of ghosting that they could tolerate without discomfort. The Randot® Stereotest was used to verify stereoacuity. The study performance metric was time to completion. The NASA TLX was used to measure workload. Normal threshold stereoacuity (40-20 second of arc) was verified in all participants. Comparing optimal 3D with 2D viewing conditions, mean performance times were 2.8 and 1.6 times faster in laparoscopic navigation in space and suturing tasks respectively (p< .001). Comparing optimal 3D with suboptimal 3D viewing conditions, mean performance times were 2.9 times faster in both tasks (p< .001). Mean workload in 2D was 1.5 and 1.3 times greater than in optimal 3D viewing, for navigation in space and suturing tasks respectively (p< .001). Mean workload associated with suboptimal 3D was 1.3 times greater than optimal 3D in both laparoscopic tasks (p< .001). There was no significant relationship between the magnitude of ghosting score, laparoscopic performance and workload. Our findings highlight the advantages of 3D displays when used optimally, and their shortcomings when used sub-optimally, on both laparoscopic performance and workload.

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: Performance, Pacing and Tactics Between 1890 and 2014.

Currently no studies have examined the historical performances of Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race crews in the context of performance, pacing and tactics which is surprising as the event has routinely taken place annually for over 150 years on the same course. The purpose of this study was twofold, to firstly examine the historical development of performances and physical characteristics of crews over 124 years of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race between 1890 and 2014 and secondly to investigate the pacing and tactics employed by crews over that period. Linear regression modelling was applied to investigate the development of performance and body size for crews of eight male individuals over time from Boat Race archive data. Performance change over time was further assessed in 10-year clusters while four intra-race checkpoints were used to examine pacing and tactics. Significant correlations were observed between performance and time (1890-2014) for both Oxford (r=-0.67; p<0.01) and Cambridge (r=-0.64; p<0.01). There was no difference in mean performance times for Oxford (1170±88s) and Cambridge (1168±89.8s) during 1890-2014. Crew performance times improved over time with significant gains from baseline achieved in the 1950s (Cambridge) and the 1960s (Oxford), which coincided with significant change in the physicality of the competing crews (p<0.01). There was no tactical advantage from commencing on either the Surrey or Middlesex station beyond chance alone; however, all crews (n=228) adopted a fast-start strategy, with 81% of victories achieved by the crew leading the race at the first intra-race checkpoint (24% of total distance). Crews leading the race at the final checkpoint (83% of total distance; 1143m) achieved victory on 94% of occasions. Performances and physical characteristics of the crews have changed markedly since 1890, with faster heavier crews now common. Tactically, gaining the early lead position with a fast-start strategy seems particularly meaningful to success in the Boat Race throughout the years, and has been of greater importance to race outcome than factors such as the starting station.

Effect of deceptively aggressive bike pacing on sprint-distance triathlon performance

Introduction : Whilst aggressive bike pacing has been found to impair subsequent run performance during triathlon, this strategy appears to enhance total cycle-run time over the sprint-distance format (Suriano & Bishop, 2010). As such, cycling at the highest sustainable intensity (i.e. isolated TT power output) is suggested as the best strategy to optimise overall performance time in the event. However, it is unclear how an athlete’s expectations, beliefs and perceptions influence the effectiveness of such pacing during multi-modal events, such as triathlon. Taylor & Smith (2013) have suggested that practically meaningful changes in triathlon running may result from deceptive pace manipulation, equivalent to the smallest worthwhile change in performance. With this in mind, deceptively aggressive bike pacing may enable triathletes to maximise their sustainable intensity in this discipline, without the impairments in run performance typically associated with this strategy. However, this is yet to be confirmed by experimental evidence. This study therefore examined the effects of deceptively aggressive bike pacing on sprint- distance triathlon performance. Methods : Having been misinformed that they would be taking part in a reliability and validity study, ten non-elite, competitive male triathletes (mean ± SD: age 36.8 ± 8.9 yrs, mass 76.3 ± 7.2 kg and V, I‡ O 2max 54.3 ± 5.7 ml · kg - 1 · min -1 ) completed eight testing sessions (Figure 1). The first four trials served as familiarisation, after which all athletes completed an isolated 500 kJ (~20 km) cycling time-trial (TT) to establish their maximum sustainable intensity over this distance. Each athlete then completed three separate simulated sprint-distance triathlons (0.75 km swim, 500 kJ bike, 5 km run), the first of which established ‘baseline’ (i.e. personal best) simulated triathlon performance (BL). During the remaining two triathlon trials athletes maintained a cycling power output that was 5% greater than that achieved during BL, before completing the run in as short a time as possible (against an on-screen avatar of BL run performance). However, participants were correctly informed of this aggressive cycling strategy before and during only one of the two trials (Hon). Prior to the alternate trial (Dec), participants were misinformed that their mean cycling power output would equal that of BL, with on-screen feedback manipulated so as to display power output 5% below its true value. Results : Mean performance times for TT and simulated triathlon trials are detailed in Table 1. Although these values suggest a trend for faster run performance during Dec, compared to both BL and Hon, this was only statistically significant versus BL ( p < .05). Similarly, whilst there was a non-significant trend for overall triathlon time to be shorter during Dec than Hon (by ~17 sec), the only statistically significant differences were between each of these trials and BL, which was between 2-3% slower overall than both Dec and Hon. Magnitude-based inferences (Table 2) suggest cycling time and power output were almost certainly better during TT, Dec and Hon, in comparison to BL. Whilst Dec and Hon cycling performances were probably worse compared to that of TT, there were almost certainly no differences between the Dec and Hon cycling. Interestingly, whilst any difference appeared of trivial practical importance, it was more likely that Hon running was meaningfully slower, than faster, compared to BL (i.e. 28:57:15% likelihood of Hon being slower, no different, or faster than BL). On the other hand, Dec running was probably faster than both BL and Hon. In terms of overall triathlon performance, there was almost certainly no difference between Dec and Hon, although both were almost certainly faster compared to BL. Conclusion : An athlete’s expectations, beliefs and perceptions regarding aggressive cycle pacing appear to play an important role in optimising subsequent run and overall performance during sprint-distance triathlon. Future studies should further examine how pacing beliefs and expectations influence performance across multi-modal (i.e. triathlon) or multi-stage (i.e. Tour de France) sporting competitions. In particular, more research is needed so as to better understand the importance of multiple perceptual responses (e.g. RPE and affect) to pacing decisions during successive modes of self-paced exercise.

Aging's effects on marathon performance insights from the New York City race.

Most studies on aging and marathon have analyzed elite marathoners, yet the latter only represent a very small fraction of all marathon participants. In addition, analysis of variance or unpaired Student t tests are frequently used to compare mean performance times across age groups. In this report the authors propose an alternative methodology to determine the impact of aging on marathon performance in both nonelite and elite marathoners participating in the New York City Marathon. In all, 471,453 data points corresponding to 370,741 different runners over 13 race editions (1999-2011) were retrieved. Results showed that the effect of aging on marathon performance was overall comparable in both sexes, the effect of aging differed between the fastest and slowest runners in both sexes, and the magnitude of the sex differences was higher in the slowest runners than in the fastest ones. Current data suggest that the biological differences between sexes allow men to have better marathon performance across most of the human life span.

Trainee performance at robotic console and benchmark operative times

It is an ongoing challenge to maintain surgical efficiency while integrating trainee participation. We hypothesize that a program of graduated surgical responsibility for trainees does not hinder operative efficiency. This was a retrospective cohort study of trainee performance times, collected prospectively in real time, for robotic cases performed at one university hospital between September 2008 and August 2011. The primary aim was to compare overall operative times between cases performed by trainees versus attendings. Secondary aims were to compare operative times for major portions of each operation by level of training and to establish benchmark operative times for trainees. During the study period, 98 cases had recorded trainee performance times. Total robot docked time was longer for trainees than for attendings (155 vs 132 min, p = 0.011), but mean performance times for hysterectomy (70 vs 59 min, p = 0.096) and sacrocolpopexy (76 vs 79 min, p = 0.545) were similar. Within the trainees, there was no correlation between surgical time and rank for each step of the procedures. Utilizing mean performance times for all trainees, benchmark operative times were established for each step of hysterectomy in minutes: right side (21), left side (21), bladder flap (10), colpotomy (15), and cuff closure (19); similarly, for sacrocolpopexy: sacral and peritoneal dissection (12), anterior cuff dissection (10), posterior cuff dissection (8), anterior mesh attachment (15), posterior mesh attachment (18), sacral mesh attachment (12), and peritoneal closure (9). In a program of graduated surgical responsibility, robotic operative efficiency was comparable when trainees were involved as console surgeons.

Seasonal progression and variability of repeat-effort line-drill performance in elite junior basketball players

To determine gender differences, positional differences, and patterns of change in the performance of the basketball line-drill test, 93 male (mean age 16.8 years, s = 1.1) and 95 female (mean age 16.5 years, s = 1.0) basketball players undertook 516 line-drill tests over a 5-year period. Log-transformed performance times were analysed using a mixed model that included quadratic within-participant fixed effects for time in the season and time in the programme. Changes and differences were standardized for interpretation of magnitudes. Mean performance times were 28.0 s (s = 1.3) for males and 30.4 s (s = 1.3) for females. The mean pattern of change in performance within a season differed substantially between the sexes and playing positions: male guards and female centres showed moderate to very large improvements mid-season of 1.1% and 3.5% respectively (90% confidence limits ±2.1% and ±3.0%), while female guards and male forwards showed large to very large decrements of −1.6% (±2.6%) and −2.4% (±2.0%). Over 3 years, males improved performance across all three playing positions by 1.4% (±1.3%) and females by 2.9% (±1.4%). Males improved performance by 0.2% (±0.5%) per year, whereas the performance of females deteriorated by 0.6% (±0.4%) per year. The differing patterns of performance change presumably reflect variations in training and competition loads, with short-term fluctuations in performance being managed to promote longer-term improvements.

Design of a Proficiency-Based Skills Training Curriculum for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery

Currently, no optimal curriculum exists for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) manual skills training program. The objective was to create a proficiency-based training curriculum that would allow both successful completion of the FLS manual skills exam and improved performance in the operating room. Two experienced laparoscopic surgeons performed 5 consecutive repetitions of all 5 FLS tasks. The mean performance times for both subjects were determined. Error parameters for each task were also recorded and used to establish a maximum allowable error parameter for each task. These data were used to create both error- and time-based proficiency levels for each task based on the importance of the task and the amount of resources consumed when practicing the task. This type of objective proficiency level was determined for each of the 5 FLS tasks. We have developed a proficiency-based training curriculum for the psychomotor skills portion of FLS. Work is under way to evaluate and validate this curricular design.

The Relationship Between Power-Based Training Variables and Individual Time Trial Performance in Women's Cycling

Performance during the individual time trial and climbing events during stage races in professional road cycling often have the greatest influence on the final individual standings. However, the relationship between power-based training variables and performance in women's individual time trials during actual competition is not clear. PURPOSE: The goal of this investigation was to determine the correlation of anaerobic and aerobic power-based measures derived from training with race performances their predictive capabilities to race performance. METHODS: Power meter data from training sessions and racing during the 3 wks prior to each stage race and the competition was collected from eight international level professional female road cyclists (age = 31.1 ±3.3 yrs, mass = 56.1 ±2.8 kg) who had finished at least 4 of the 5 stage races that were part of the 2005 USCF National Racing Calendar series. The highest 1MMP (minute mean maximal power), 5MMP and 20MMP from the 3-wk period prior to each event were used to derive critical power (CP). Stepwise linear regression was conducted for each time trial with CP and 30MMP (W and W/kg) as the independent variables to determine the best predictor of performance time. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall mean CP ranged from 4.2 to 4.8 W/kg while the 30MMP ranged from 4.3 to 5.0 W/kg. Critical power (W/kg) was the best predictor overall for performance time for all five of the events analyzed in the study (Race 1: adj. R2 = 0.604, p < 0.024; Race 2: 0.764, p < 0.006; Race 3: 0.704, p < 0.023; Race 4: 0.980, p < 0.001; Race 5: 0.784, p < 0.005). The standard estimate of errors (SEE) for the prediction of performance times using CP (W/kg) were ±51, ±18, ±61, ±6, and ± 10s for mean performance times of 1028 ±82, 640 ± 36, 2614 ± 112, 986 ± 39, and 465 ± 21 s, respectively. The inclusion of 30MMP (W/kg) with CP (W/kg) marginally, though significant, improved the SEE for one uphill time trial by 7 s. CONCLUSION: Critical power (W/kg) derived from power outputs produced during training and racing prior to competition was a better predictor of the uphill and hilly terrain time trial events used in this study when compared to 30MMP (W and W/kg) and CP (W). Coaches and athletes could use CP to better prepare for similar time trial events and potentially use CP as a measurement for talent identification.

Memories that last in old age: motor skill learning and memory preservation

Using an automated test panel, age-associated declines in learning, remembering and performing a novel visuomotor task were assessed in 497 normal adults ranging from 18 to 95 years old. As predicted, task performance times slowed with increasing age in the cross-sectional portion of the study. However in the subsequent longitudinal study, while motor learning was significantly slower in adults over 62 years old, motor memory was pristinely preserved in normal adults from 18 to 95 years old. When tested 2 years after the first training session and without intervening rehearsal, mean performance times were retained and continued to improve by 10% in young adults and 13% in aged adults, reflecting long lasting preservation of motor memories. While the maximum lifetime of an unpracticed, novel motor memory in humans is not known, the present study suggests that new motor memories can be retained for at least 2 years without rehearsal in normal aged adults. This age-resistant component of motor memory stands in contrast to the well-known decrements in other motor and cognitive processes with human aging.

This Month in ANESTHESIOLOGY

This Month in ANESTHESIOLOGY

Work Flow Policy and Within-Worker and Between-Workers Variability in Performance.

Work flow policies are shown to induce a change in average between-workers variability (worker heterogeneity) and within-worker variability in performance times. In a laboratory experiment, the authors measured the levels of worker heterogeneity and within-worker variability under an individual performance condition, a work sharing condition, and a fixed assignment condition. The work sharing policy increased the levels of worker heterogeneity and worker variability, whereas the fixed assignment policy decreased them. These effects, along with work flow policy main effects on mean performance times and variability are examined. This article represents an initial step in understanding effects that may be important in the selection of an operating policy, the ignorance of which may lead to costly misestimates of performance.

Measurement of manipulative dexterity in patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome.

The purpose of the study was to assess quantitative measurements of the manipulative dexterity of patients suffering from hand-transmitted vibration disorder, and to investigate a possible link with impaired tactile perception in their hands. The subjects were 30 patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome, 30 office workers and 20 manual laborers of similar ages. Manipulative dexterity was assessed by measuring the performance time of buttoning-unbuttoning a work jacket with five buttons and of picking up and transferring 30 red beans, one by one, with the fingers from one plate to another. Patients were also examined on vibrotactile thresholds at 125 Hz as well as pain thresholds. The buttoning-unbuttoning time and the bean transfer time were significantly prolonged in the patients compared with the worker groups. The patients showed a close correlation between the buttoning-unbuttoning time and the bean transfer time. Performance times did not differ between patients with vibration-induced white finger and those without it. Those times also correlated with the vibrotactile and pain thresholds in the patients. When a cut-off value was set at 2 SDs from the mean performance times of the manual laborers, exceeding the cut-off value was found in 70% of the patients for the button-unbutton test and in 80% of those for the bean transfer test. All patients with moderately or severely increased vibrotactile and pain thresholds exceeded that value in performing the two tasks. The present measurements quantitatively showed impaired manipulation in patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome. Such difficulty with manipulation seems to be associated with the impaired tactile sensation in their hands.

Performance of Community Dwelling Elderly on the Timed Up and Go Test

The purpose of this study was to determine mean performance times and the effect of age and gender on the Up and Go (UG) with and without a cane. UG measures the time required to stand up from an arm chair, walk 3 meters (comfortable speed), turn, walk back to the chair, and sit down. Community dwelling volunteers (n = 175) were divided into 3 age groups (65-69,70-74,75-79). Instructions, demonstration, and 3 practice trials were standardized. Descriptive statistics were calculated for group and gender. MANOVA showed no significant difference between age groups but performing the UG with a cane lengthened times (p < .0001). Women were slower than men (p < .01) and this difference was much greater when using the cane (p < .0001). Clinicians should be mindful that times will lengthen when a cane is introduced. For the UG test to be useful to therapists, more extensive data are needed.

Performance of Community Dwelling Elderly on the Timed Up and Go Test

The purpose of this study was to determine mean performance times and the effect of age and gender on the Up and Go (UG) with and without a cane. UG measures the time required to stand up from an a...

Status reporting of "eyes on" and peripheral displays during tracking.

In response to external requests, pilots often orally report status information read from scattered visual displays while simultaneously controlling an aircraft. For an experimentally controlled "status-reporting" task, we found that the input frequency on a concurrent-tracking task and the task stream-related factors of the rate, uncertainty, and timing of requests showed few significant effects on mean performance times and standard deviations. Tracking performance did vary greatly between the different phases of the "status-reporting" task, the different types of displays and their locations, and the different tracking-input frequencies. An elementary manual control model produced conformal tracking error means and standard deviations when parameters corresponding to behavioral changes were varied. These results indicated that both the performance time statistics of the "status-reporting" task and the influence of concurrent performance on tracking error can be estimated using simple methods.

Metabolic and hormonal responses to long-distance swimming in cold water.

The acute effects of long-distance swimming in cold water on selected hormonal and metabolic variables were evaluated on 22 long-distance swimmers (16 males and 6 females) during a 32-km swimming competition (La Traversée Internationale du Lac St-Jean). The water temperature was 18.5 degrees C and the mean performance times were 8 h and 32 min for men (M) and 9 h and 1 min for women (F). The blood samples were withdrawn in the fasting state during the week preceding the event and within 30 min after completion of the race. A positive correlation was obtained, for both groups, between percent body fat and rectal temperature measured at the end of the competition. After the competition, an increase in plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, thyroxine, free fatty acids, lactate, a decrease in glucose and insulin and no change in growth hormone, triiodothyronine, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations were observed in both groups. The increase in plasma thyroxine was more pronounced in the slower swimmers while the change in blood cortisol concentrations was higher in the subjects having the most acute decrease in body temperature. Male and female swimmers have a similar metabolic and hormonal response to a long-distance swimming competition in cold water.

Etude de l'évolution de la valeur prédictive du seuil anaérobie sur la performance en fonction de l'âge

Dans le but de comparer la valeur prédictive du seuil anaérobie (SA) et de la consommation maximale d'oxygène (V˙O2 max) sur la performance en course à pied, et de vérifier les effets de l'âge sur ces différents paramètres, une étude a été réalisée sur 3 populations différant par l'âge et le niveau d'entraînement. Une population de sujets jeunes (âge moyen 25,4±4,8 ans) et deux populations de sujets plus âgés (âge moyen 43,7±4,5 ans et 42,3±4,9 ans) ont effectué une épreuve d'effort maximale triangulaire sur tapis roulant; le recueil des paramètres respiratoires et la mesure du lactate sanguin ont permis de déterminer le seuil anaérobie lactique (SAL), le seuil anaérobie ventilatoire (SAV) et la consommation maximale d'O2 (V˙O2 max). L'ensemble de ces sujets sportifs entraînés ont participé à des épreuves de course à pied, peu de temps avant ou après les déterminations en laboratoire. Les performances réalisées furent corrélées avec les paramètres physiologiques (SA et V˙O2 max). Les résultats obtenus montrent que la valeur prédictive du SA augmente avec la distance des compétitions, pour être identique à V˙O2 max sur le marathon. La valuer prédictive de la performance du SA augmente avec l'âge des sujets. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship of running performance time with maximal aerobic power (V˙O2 max), anaerobic threshold (AT), and age of the subject. Three groups of male subjects differing in age and training were studied. The first group was composed of young subjects (mean age ± SD=25.4±4.8 years), and the others were made up of two populations of older subjects differing in training., with mean ages of 43.7±4.5 and 42.3±4.9 years. All subjects performed a progressive and maximal treadmill test; the respiratory parameters and blood lactate level were recorded at each step of the test in order to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2 max) and anaerobic threshold (AT). The anaerobic threshold was fixed at a work load between ventilatory threshold (VAT) and lactate threshold (LAT). The mean data obtained from the overall population show that ventilatory threshold is delayed slightly after lactate threshold, so that one could define a transitional zone between these two values. The mean V˙O2 max value obtained for the young group was higher (61.3±6 ml/min-kg) than for the two oder populations (54.6±5 ml/min-kg for the most trained group, and 49.5±3.7 ml/min-kg for the other). Conversely the mean AT, expressed as percentage of V˙O2 max, was greater in the most trained older group than in the young group (82.6±6% vs.− 74.8±5.08%). The performance time of all subjects in running competitions ranging from cross-country to the marathon were recorded in conjunction with the laboratory evaluations in order to perform a multiple linear regression analysis with V˙O2 max, AT and age. For the young population the best correlation of performance times for all distance running was obtained with V˙O2 max. The predictive value of AT was enhanced with an increase, in the distance run, for this parameter became almost similar on marathon running (r=0.77 V˙O2 max ml/min.kg.marathon time, r=0.76 V˙O2 l/min at AT.marathon time). On the other hand, the AT, expressed as V˙O2 became a better predictive factor in the two older populations (r=8.85 AT l/min marathon time; r=0.68 V˙O2 ml/min.kg marathon time). Since the mean performance times for marathon running for young and old subjects were almost similar (181.42 ±30 min vs. 185.40±13.6 min), the following hypothesis is put forward: the decrease in V˙O2 max in older subjects could be counterbalanced by an increase in the percent of V˙O2 max at the AT. These changes could be the result of an increase in the area of slow-twitch muscle fibers brought about by ageing, since AT has been shown to be related to an increased percentage of slow-twitch fibers.