Middle-distance Running Performance Research Articles

Heat stress and the velocity-duration relationship in amateur runners.

Tolerance to high-intensity constant power exercise can be characterized by the hyperbolic power-duration (or velocity-duration) relationship. The hyperbola is defined by the asymptote (critical power or velocity) and the curvature constant (W' or D'). The effects of thermoregulatory stress on middle-distance running performance are equivocal-possibly due to the complexities of the hyperbolic velocity-duration relationship for these relatively short duration events. We aimed to measure the effects of heat stress on the velocity-duration relationship in amateur runners. Fifteen participants (23 ± 6 years) completed a series of constant-velocity running bouts to intolerance in three heat indices (MILD: 20°C, VERY HOT: 38°C, EXTREME: 55°C). Critical velocity (CV) in MILD (3.52 ± 0.86 m/s) was higher than VERY HOT (3.39 ± 0.82 m/s) and EXTREME (3.29 ± 1.05 m/s; F[2.28] = 3.80, p < 0.035) with no effect of thermal stress on D' (F[2.28] = 2.48, p = 0.11). In amateur competitive/recreational runners, heat stress of ≥38°C heat index negatively affected CV. Thus, even during relatively short events, such as middle-distance running where fluid loss is not a primary concern, heat stress may negatively impact performance.

Partial-body cryostimulation procured performance and perceptual improvements in amateur middle-distance runners.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of partial-body cryostimulation on middle-distance runners before two 3000-m tests at the speed of the first and second ventilatory threshold, and before a time to exhaustion test at 110% of the maximal aerobic speed. Twelve amateur runners (age: 46 ± 9 years; VO2max: 51.7 ± 4.9 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed six running testing sessions in a randomized counterbalanced cross-over fashion: three of them were preceded by a partial-body cryostimulation and the other three by a control condition. The testing sessions consisted of: 1) a 3000-m continuous running test at the speed of the first ventilatory threshold; 2) a 3000-m continuous running test at the speed of the second ventilatory threshold; 3) a time to exhaustion test at 110% of the maximal aerobic speed. Heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion and visual analogue scale relative to muscle pain were recorded throughout the tests. Total quality recovery was evaluated 24-48 h after the end of each test. Distance to exhaustion was higher after partial-body cryostimulation than control condition (p = 0.018; partial-body cryostimulation: 988 ± 332 m, control: 893 ± 311 m). There were differences in the ratings of perceived exertion during each split of the 3000-m continuous running test at the speed of the second ventilatory threshold (p = 0.001). Partial-body cryostimulation can be positively considered to enhance middle-distance running performance and reduce perception of effort in amateur runners.

Neuromechanics of Middle-Distance Running Fatigue: A Key Role of the Plantarflexors?

This study aimed to investigate the changes in lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation during a high-intensity run to fatigue (HIRF). Eighteen male and female competitive middle-distance runners performed a HIRF on an instrumented treadmill at a constant but unsustainable middle-distance speed (~3 min) based on a preceding maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) test. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were collected and compared between the start, 33%, 67%, and the end of the HIRF. In addition, the activation of eight lower limb muscles of each leg was measured with surface EMG (sEMG). Time to exhaustion was 181 ± 42 s. By the end of the HIRF (i.e., vs the start), ground contact time increased (+4.0%), whereas flight time (-3.2%), peak vertical ground reaction force (-6.1%), and vertical impulse (-4.1%) decreased (all P < 0.05), and joint angles at initial contact became more (dorsi)flexed (ankle, +1.9°; knee, +2.1°; hip, +3.6°; all P < 0.05). During stance, by the end of the HIRF: peak ankle plantarflexion moment decreased by 0.4 N·m·kg-1 (-9.0%), whereas peak knee extension moment increased by 0.24 N·m·kg-1 (+10.3%); similarly, positive ankle plantarflexion work decreased by 0.19 J·kg-1 (-13.9%), whereas positive knee extension work increased by 0.09 J·kg-1 (+33.3%; both P < 0.05) with no change in positive hip extension work. Hip extensor surface EMG amplitude increased during the late swing phase (+20.9-37.3%; P < 0.05). Running at a constant middle-distance pace led primarily to the fatigue of the plantarflexors with a compensatory increase in positive work done at the knee. Improving the fatigue resistance of the plantarflexors might be beneficial for middle-distance running performance.

The Association Of Fatness With Middle-distance Running Performance In Chinese Boys

There has been a paucity of evidence pertaining to the discussion whether the effect of fatness on CRF is independent of physical activity (PA). PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the association of fatness with middle-distance running performance (MDRP) in Chinese boys. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 (8th grade) boys recruited from 3 junior middle schools in Shanghai, China. Participants completed height and weight measurement, and MDRP (1000 m running). PA and sedentary behavior (SB) were measured in 7 consecutive days by accelerometers. Based on the criteria set by the Working Group on Obesity in China, the participants were categorized into either overweight and obese or normal weight according to the body mass index (BMI). Likewise, MDRP was categorized into pass or no pass by using the 2014 revised Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard. Independent t test was employed to compare the difference of the time to complete MDRP between overweight and obese boys and normal weight boys. Correlation coefficients were computed to examine the relationship between BMI and the time to complete MDRP. The association of fatness and MDRP were examined, through multiple logistic regressions, after controlling for age and SB, light physical activity (LPA), moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS: 89 boys (age: 13.4±0.5 years, weight:59.3±12.7 kg, height:166.5±6.2 cm, BMI: 21.4±4.3 kg/m2) provided the valid accelerometer data (defined as ≥ 2 days, ≥10 h/day) and were included in the study. The time to complete MDRP of overweight and obese boys was significant longer than normal weight boys (320.1±42.1 s vs 270.8±35.3 s, P<0.001).BMI was significantly positively correlated with the time to complete MDRP (r=0.581,P<0.001). The overweight and obese boys were more likely to not pass the MDRP compared with the normal weight boys (adjusted odds ratio = 4.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.74-12.4), after adjusting age, SB, LPA, MVPA. CONCLUSION: The results uncovered that boys’ BMI was negatively correlated with MDRP. More importantly, compared with normal weight boys, overweight and obese boys had a higher risk to not pass the MDRP, independent of PA.

Resistance training and exercise tolerance during high-intensity exercise: moving beyond just running economy and muscle strength.

Resistance training and exercise tolerance during high-intensity exercise: moving beyond just running economy and muscle strength.

The Effect of Training at 2100-m Altitude on Running Speed and Session Rating of Perceived Exertion at Different Intensities in Elite Middle-Distance Runners.

To determine the effect of training at 2100-m natural altitude on running speed (RS) during training sessions over a range of intensities relevant to middle-distance running performance. In an observational study, 19 elite middle-distance runners (mean ± SD age 25 ± 5 y, VO2max, 71 ± 5 mL · kg-1 · min-1) completed either 4-6 wk of sea-level training (CON, n = 7) or a 4- to 5-wk natural altitude-training camp living at 2100 m and training at 1400-2700 m (ALT, n = 12) after a period of sea-level training. Each training session was recorded on a GPS watch, and athletes also provided a score for session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Training sessions were grouped according to duration and intensity. RS (km/h) and sRPE from matched training sessions completed at sea level and 2100 m were compared within ALT, with sessions completed at sea level in CON describing normal variation. In ALT, RS was reduced at altitude compared with sea level, with the greatest decrements observed during threshold- and VO2max-intensity sessions (5.8% and 3.6%, respectively). Velocity of low-intensity and race-pace sessions completed at a lower altitude (1400 m) and/or with additional recovery was maintained in ALT, though at a significantly greater sRPE (P = .04 and .05, respectively). There was no change in velocity or sRPE at any intensity in CON. RS in elite middle-distance athletes is adversely affected at 2100-m natural altitude, with levels of impairment dependent on the intensity of training. Maintenance of RS at certain intensities while training at altitude can result in a higher perceived exertion.

Acute Weighted Vest Running Effect on Middle Distance Running Performance

Acute Weighted Vest Running Effect on Middle Distance Running Performance

Influence of sex and specialty on the prediction of middle-distance running performances using the Mercier et al.’s nomogram

The aim was to test the influence of sex and specialty (3000, 5000 and 10000 m) on the validity of middle-distance running performance predictions obtained from the Mercier et al.’s nomogram. Consequently, we examined all official French track running rankings for the 3000-, 5000- and 10000-m events (men and women) from 2006 to 2012. A scoring table was used to determine the runners’ specialties. Only runners who performed in the three distance events within the same year were included (75 women and 400 men). The Mercier et al.’s nomogram was used to predict one running performance from the other two. The results showed no significant difference between actual and predicted running performances (P = 0.77). Female runners had significantly lower performances than male runners (P < 0.001). Specialty did not influence performances (P = 0.11). Very high correlations were found between actual and predicted performances (0.91 < r < 0.99), with the exception of women (r = 0.85) in 5000 m. Moreover, low limits of agreement were obtained for male and female runners, whatever the specialty. These results support the validity of the nomogram to predict running performance in the 3000-, 5000- and 10000-m events for male and female runners, whatever the specialty. The predicted running performances may be used in training programmes (e.g., to prescribe tempo runs) and competitions (e.g., to establish split times).

Mean platelet volume (MPV) predicts middle distance running performance.

BackgroundRunning economy and performance in middle distance running depend on several physiological factors, which include anthropometric variables, functional characteristics, training volume and intensity. Since little information is available about hematological predictors of middle distance running time, we investigated whether some hematological parameters may be associated with middle distance running performance in a large sample of recreational runners.MethodsThe study population consisted in 43 amateur runners (15 females, 28 males; median age 47 years), who successfully concluded a 21.1 km half-marathon at 75–85% of their maximal aerobic power (VO2max). Whole blood was collected 10 min before the run started and immediately thereafter, and hematological testing was completed within 2 hours after sample collection.ResultsThe values of lymphocytes and eosinophils exhibited a significant decrease compared to pre-run values, whereas those of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and monocytes were significantly increased after the run. In univariate analysis, significant associations with running time were found for pre-run values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), MPV, reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration (RetCHR), and post-run values of MCH, RDW, MPV, monocytes and RetCHR. In multivariate analysis, in which running time was entered as dependent variable whereas age, sex, blood lactate, body mass index, VO2max, mean training regimen and the hematological parameters significantly associated with running performance in univariate analysis were entered as independent variables, only MPV values before and after the trial remained significantly associated with running time. After adjustment for platelet count, the MPV value before the run (p = 0.042), but not thereafter (p = 0.247), remained significantly associated with running performance.ConclusionThe significant association between baseline MPV and running time suggest that hyperactive platelets may exert some pleiotropic effects on endurance performance.

A influência do genótipo da ECA sobre a aptidão cardiovascular de jovens do sexo masculino moderadamente ativos

The angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene (ACE gene) has been broadly studied as for cardiorespiratory fitness phenotypes, but the association of the ACE genotype to middle-distance running has been poorly investigated. This study investigated the possible influence of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) genotype (I/D) on cardiovascular fitness and middle-distance running performance of Brazilian young males. The validity of VO(2max) to predict the ACE genotype was also analyzed. A homogeneous group of moderately active young males were evaluated in a 1,600 m running track test (V1600m; m.min(-1)) and in an incremental treadmill test for VO(2max) determination. Subsequently, the actual and the predicted [(0.177*V1600m) + 8.101] VO(2max) were compared to ACE genotypes. The VO(2max) and V1600m recorded for DD, ID and II genotypes were 45.6 (1.8); 51.9 (0.8) and 54.4 (1.0) mL.kg(-1).min(-1) and 211.2 (8.3); 249.1 (4.3) and 258.6 (5.4) m.min(-1) respectively, and were significantly lower for DD carriers (p< 0.05). The actual and predicted VO(2max) did not differ from each other despite ACE genotype, but the agreement between actual and estimated VO(2max) methods was lower for the DD genotype. It was concluded that there is a possible association between ACE genotype, cardiovascular fitness and middle-distance running performance of moderately active young males and that the accuracy of VO(2max) prediction may also depend on the ACE genotype of the participants.

Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Middle-Distance Running Performance in Well-Trained Runners

Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Middle-Distance Running Performance in Well-Trained Runners

Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Middle-Distance Running Performance in Well-Trained Runners

To assess whether Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) affects 5000-m running performance and physiological parameters classically associated with middle-distance performance. Two experimental groups (Ramadan fasting, n = 9, vs control, n = 9) participated in 2 experimental sessions, one before RIF and the other at the last week of fasting. For each session, subjects completed 4 tests in the same order: a maximal running test, a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensor, 2 rectangular submaximal exercises on treadmill for 6 minutes at an intensity corresponding to the first ventilatory threshold (VT1), and a running performance test (5000 m). Eighteen, well-trained, middle-distance runners. Maximal oxygen consumption, MVC, running performance, running efficiency, submaximal VO(2) kinetics parameters (VO(2), VO(2)b, time constant τ, and amplitude A1) and anthropometric parameters were recorded or calculated. At the end of Ramadan fasting, a decrease in MVC was observed (-3.2%; P < 0.00001; η, 0.80), associated with an increase in the time constant of oxygen kinetics (+51%; P < 0.00007; η, 0.72) and a decrease in performance (-5%; P < 0.0007; η, 0.51). No effect was observed on running efficiency or maximal aerobic power. These results suggest that Ramadan changes in muscular performance and oxygen kinetics could affect performance during middle-distance events and need to be considered to choose training protocols during RIF.

Association Between the ACE I/D) Gene Polymorphism and Physical Performance in a Homogeneous Non-Elite Cohort

I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene may be associated with better endurance performance and a stronger response to exercise training. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACE gene polymorphism and athletic performance in a homogeneous cohort. Eighty-eight male non-elite Caucasian Turkish athletes with similar training backgrounds for at least for 6 months were studied for ACE gene polymorphisms by PCR analysis. Performance on the 60-meter sprint and middle-distance running tests were evaluated. The distributions of the ACE I/D genotypes were 20.5%, 40.9%, and 38.6% for II, ID, and DD polymorphisms in the whole group (N = 88), respectively. The ACE DD genotype frequency was significantly higher in the superior group (56.7%) than in the poor (37.9%) and mediocre (20.7%) group in middle-distance running performance (chi2 = 11.778; p = 0.019). The ACE DD genotype may be related to better short-duration aerobic endurance performance. Larger homogeneous cohorts may help clarify the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and physical performance.

Energetics of middle-distance running performances in male and female junior using track measurements.

The aim of this study was to determine the energetic factors of middle-distance running performance in junior elite runners according to gender and by using measurements from on-track performances. Fifteen elite runners (8 males and 7 females) were investigated by means of an incremental test and an all-out run over 600 m performed with a 2-d interval. We calculated (1) the aerobic maximal power (E(r max aero), in W kg(-1)), including VO(2 max) and the delay of attainment of VO(2 max) in the 600 m run; (2) the anaerobic power (E(r max anaero)), i.e., the oxygen deficit (J kg(-1)) divided by the duration of the 600 m run. Despite the difference in race duration (87 +/- 3 vs. 102 +/- 2 s), the 600 m run was made at the same relative value of the velocity associated with VO(2 max) (VVO(2 )max) in males and females (121.6 +/- 7 vs. 120 +/- 8% VO(2 max), p = 0.7). E(r max aero) explained most of the variance in the performance (the personal best performed 8 weeks later) between genders: 65 and 79% over 800 m (T(800)) and 1,500 m (T(1,500)). For females, E(r max aero) explained most of the variance of T(1,500) (r(2) = 0.66), and E(r max anaero) improved this prediction (r(2) = 0.84). No energetic factor predicted the performance on 800 m run in males. In elite junior athletes, the energetic model with individual data measured over an all-out 600 m performed on a track, provides an explanation for most of the variance in middle-distance running performances between genders. The distinction between aerobic power and anaerobic power allowed an improvement in the prediction of middle-distance running performances.

Assessment of middle-distance running performance in sub-elite young runners using energy cost of running.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of v(amax) as an indicator of middle-distance running performance in sub-elite young runners, v(amax) being defined as the quotient maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) divided by the net energy cost of running (Cr) on a treadmill at a submaximal running velocity (280 m x min[-1]). The VO2max, ventilatory threshold, v(amax), and Cr were assessed in 39 young male sub-elite runners having only small variations in performance level. The relationship between each variable and running performance (at 1500 m, 3000 m, and 5000 m) was evaluated. A trend toward a negative correlation existed between Cr and performance although this was not significant. The VO2max and v(amax) were significantly related to performance. The v(amax) accounted for around 50% of the variability in performance whereas other physiological variables selected in this study were responsible, at best, for approximately 39%. The results presented in this study suggested that v(amax) was a useful indicator of middle-distance running performance in sub-elite young runners with similar performance levels as well as in top elite athletes.

Physiological factors associated with middle distance running performance.

Middle distance running involves popular race distances with performance dependent on a number of physiological factors. The physiological characteristics of successful runners are different from those of sprinters and long distance runners. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), running economy and the anaerobic threshold are variables that have been shown to limit performance during long distance running, and rapid velocity and anaerobic variables have been shown to limit performance during sprinting. Success with middle distance running is dependent on an integrative contribution from aerobic and anaerobic variables which allows a runner to maintain a rapid velocity during a race. The relative contributions of the 2 energy systems are functions of distance, intensity and the physiological abilities of the runner. Middle distance runners can be successful with physiological profiles that include a variety of aerobic and anaerobic capabilities, and this characteristic separates them from long distance runners.