Middle-distance Runners Research Articles

Two on a tightrope: the stress experiences of the romantic partners of professional athletes

The romantic partner of a professional athlete can play a pivotal role in preserving performance and well-being (Brown et al., 2018). However, through their direct or indirect experiences partners have to cope with the stressors of professional sport that can impact relationship functioning, well-being and performance. Therefore, to help sport organizations better support romantic partners, the aim of this study was to explore partner’s stress experiences within professional sports by adopting an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Eight romantic partners (female partners n = 5; football (n = 2), paralympic rowing, boxing and long-distance running; male n = 3; middle-distance running, football, and tennis) participated in semi-structured interviews. Explained through the metaphor of ‘two on a tightrope’, partners balanced a dynamic range of stress-related themes; navigating the romantic space, sacrifices- some willing and some reluctant, feeling undervalued and unimportant, the sporting performance, receiving or dealing with abuse, and life after sport. To handle unfolding events, partners employed proactive coping, social support, avoidance coping, re-appraisal, supportive dyadic coping, protective buffering, acceptance, and problem-focused coping strategies.

Effects of cryo-facial mask on running performance in amateur middle-distance runners

The excess heat accumulated during exercise can lead to stress-induced fatigue, possibly impairing athletic performance. Various precooling techniques have been applied to enhance thermal comfort, reduce perception of effort, and improve endurance. In this randomized crossover study, twelve male amateur middle-distance runners (age: 33.69 ± 5.9 years; body mass: 71.9 ± 4.4 kg; height: 178.4 ± 5.6 cm; V˙O2 peak: 63.3 ± 5.6 mL min−1·kg−1) wore a facial cooling mask before a time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test on a treadmill, under cryostimulation or control conditions. The running performance comprised also two constant load trials, one conducted before and another after wearing the mask, both performed at the velocity of the first ventilatory threshold. Under cryostimulation condition, the TTE was 13 % higher than the control condition (p = 0.0049; d = −0.19) with a significant main effect of time for both ratings of perceived exertion (F1, 22 = 50.10; p < 0.0001; η2p = 0.69) and heart rate (F1, 22 = 31.53; p < 0.0001; η2p = 0.59). A significant interaction “condition × time” was found for facial skin temperature (F2, 44 = 36.93; p < 0.0001; η2p = 0.63) and for heart rate during the constant load trial after wearing the mask (F1, 22 = 5.90; p = 0.0238; η2p = 0.21). The localized cryostimulation provided by the mask lowered the skin temperature on the face, potentially mitigating the negative effects of heat stress during running. Incorporating the cryo-facial mask as part of a pre-exercise routine for runners may offer a practical and convenient method to optimize performance and enhance overall training outcomes.

Influence of Different Altitude Training on Vo2max and Stress

The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of different altitude training on VO2max and stress. Forty-five male middle distance runners studying in various colleges around Kodaikanal Town, Dindigul District, were selected and divided into three equal groups (n = 15), in which group - I underwent low altitude (sea level) training, five days per week for twelve weeks and group II underwent moderate level altitude training and group – III acted as control which did not participate any special training apart from their regular activities. The subjects were tested on selected criterion variables such as VO2max and stress at prior to and immediately after the training. For testing the VO2max, Cooper’s 12 minutes run/walk test result was taken and a formula recommended by Cooper was applied, and for stress, Girdano and Everly Stress Scale was used. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used as statistical tool to find the training effect difference between three groups. Since there were three groups involved in this study the ScheffẻS test was used as pos-hoc test. The result of the study shows that the VO2max was improved and stress level was decreased significantly for the training groups when compared with the control group. The result of the study also shown that there was no significant difference occurred between the experimental groups, such as, low altitude and moderate altitude training groups.

Characteristics of the Medallists of the World Masters Orienteering Championships

This research aimed to investigate morphological parameters (body mass, height, BMI) of medallists at the World Masters Orienteering Championships (WMOC), alongside their sports achievements and results. Fifty medallists from the 2022 WMOC, aged 35 to 80, were surveyed using a questionnaire, with non-parametric statistics (Mann–Whitney U test and ρ-Spearman test) applied for analysis. The average height was 179 cm for men and 165 cm for women, with average weights of 70 kg for men and 54 kg for women. BMI was 21.5 (SD = 1.43) for men and 20.4 (SD = 1.74) for women, with significantly lower BMI values in women (Z = 2.054, p = 0.04). Men’s BMI decreased with age (R = −0.534, p &lt; 0.01). The BMI value of masters foot orienteers is typical for middle-distance runners. Women are closer to the somatotype of 1500 m athletes and men to 800 m athletes. Lack of earlier elite success does not preclude being on the podium at the WMOC (only 3 of the 50 medallists surveyed had won a medal in elite competition in the past).

Physiological Profiles: Speed Reserve Ratio, Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation, And Lactate Measurements In Middle-distance Runners

Physiological Profiles: Speed Reserve Ratio, Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation, And Lactate Measurements In Middle-distance Runners

Effect of Concurrent Training on Selected Physical Fitness of Male Middle Distance Runners

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of concurrent training on cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and speed on male middle distance runners. The study employed experimental research design. All 26 Awuscod male middle distance runners were taken with EG and CG and divided randomly into two equal groups. Both the (EG= 13) and (CG= 13) had taken PT and POT of 12-minute run test, sit-reach test, and 30 meter acceleration test to assess cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and speed respectively.EG participated in additional 10 weeks concurrent interventions. While, the CG continued with their usual training The data collected from the study subject were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software by using descriptive statistics (mean and SD) and inferential statistics (paired t-test and independent t-test) with level of significant 0.05. The results showed concurrent training has significantly improved cardiorespiratory endurance and speed on EG (p&lt;0.05). But no significant difference was observed in flexibility. Furthermore, no more significant differences were found in all of the variables in CG (p&gt;0.05). Based on this finding, it can be concluded that concurrent training has a positive impact on the improvement of cardiorespiratory endurance and speed. Therefore, concurrent training is suggested for middle distance runners to improve physical fitness for athletic performance.

Self-perceived middle-distance race pace is faster in advanced footwear technology spikes

BackgroundQuantifying the potential benefits of advanced footwear technology (AFT) track shoes (i.e., “spikes”) in middle-distance events is challenging, because repeated maximal effort trials (as in sprinting) or aerobic running economy trials (as in long-distance running) are not feasible. MethodsWe introduce a novel approach to assess the benefits of AFT spikes, consisting of a series of 200-m runs at self-perceived middle-distance race pace with 10 min recovery, and conduct 4 experiments to evaluate its validity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and utility. ResultsIn Experiment 1, participants ran 1.2% slower in spikes with 200 g added mass vs. control spikes, which is exactly equal to the known effects of shoe mass on running performance. In Experiment 2, participants ran significantly faster in AFT prototype spikes vs. traditional spikes. In Experiment 3, we compared 2 other AFT prototype spikes against traditional spikes on 3 separate days. Group-level results were consistent across days, but our data indicates that at least 2 separate sessions are needed to evaluate individual responses. In Experiment 4, participants ran significantly faster in 2 AFT spike models vs. traditional spikes (2.1% and 1.6%). Speed was similar between a third AFT spike model and the traditional spikes. These speed results were mirrored by changes in step length as participants took significantly longer steps in the 2 faster AFT spike models (2.3% and 1.9%), while step length was similar between the other spikes. ConclusionOur novel, interval-based approach is a valid and reliable method for quantifying differences between spikes at middle-distance running intensity.

The tasks of the stages of the annual cycle, the solution of which is the basis for improving physical qualities, which ensures the effectiveness of middle-distance running of athletes at the stage of specialized basic training

The current training method focuses on the athlete at the stage of specialized basic training to further achieve a consistent level of development of special strength, as well as basic strength and strength abilities, It is fundamentally necessary to thoroughly understand the technical and tactical abilities of a mid-distance runner in the minds of a high level for The highest level of basic tasks is to achieve a high level of diversity and the interconnection of all types of preparation - physical, technical, tactical, psychological, moral-volitional, etc. Based on periodization systems, we improved the annual training macrocycle for middle-distance runners in the third year of specialized basic training, which includes: 2 autumn-winter and spring-summer macrocycles, 6 main periods and 16 training stages, which include 18 mesocycles and 52 microcycles. Considering the stages of preparation of the annual training cycle as the basis of the training process of middle-distance runners at the stage of specialized basic training, we developed groups of exercises with different predominant orientation, and on this basis, model microcycles of each stage were built depending on the tasks. On the basis of the annual training macrocycle of qualified middle-distance runners in the third year of training at the stage of specialized basic training, the main tasks of the stages of the annual training cycle of different predominant orientations were developed, which are the basis for improving the components of physical qualities. The developed tasks of the stages of the annual training cycle are aimed at increasing the capabilities of the aerobic system, the aerobic-anaerobic system, as well as the anaerobic energy supply system, which will make it possible to lay an aerobic-anaerobic base on which middle-distance runners will successfully perform large volumes of special work, carry loads more easily, and recover faster after them at the stage of specialized basic training.

Effect of Concurrent Training on Selected Physical Fitness of Middle Distance Runners

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of concurrent training on cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and speed in middle distance runners. The study used an experimental research design. All twenty-six (26) Awuscod middle-distance-Runners were given EG and CG and randomly separated in two equal groups. Both (EG= 13) and (CG= 13) completed PT and POT of the 12-minute run test, sit-reach test, and 30-meter acceleration test to assess cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and speed, respectively EG participated in an additional ten weeks of concurrent treatments While the CG conducted their routine training. The data gathered from the study subject were analyzed using SPSS Version 25 Software, using descriptive statistics (mean and SD) and inferential statistics (paired t-test and independent) and Ten weeks of concurrent training significantly enhanced cardiorespiratory endurance and speed (p&amp;lt;0.05). But no significant variation was observed in flexibility. Furthermore, no significant differences have been observed in any of the CG-Factors (p&amp;gt;0.05). Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that 10 weeks of simultaneous exercise improve cardiorespiratory endurance and speed of physical fitness components. As a result, the study recommended that runners incorporate concurrent training in their middle distance athletic-training- program to improve their cardiorespiratory endurance und speed.

Effect of Low vs. High Carbohydrate Intake after Glycogen-Depleting Workout on Subsequent 1500 m Run Performance in High-Level Runners.

Carbohydrate (CHO) metabolism is crucial for short-duration, high-intensity exercise performance, but the effects of variations in glycogen availability have not been investigated in field trials of trained athletes. This study was designed to test how 1500 m time trial (TT) performance is affected by the manipulation of pre-race glycogen reserves. Competitive middle-distance runners (n = 11 (4 females)) completed a 1500 m individually paced indoor TT after abundant (high, >5 g/kg/d) or restricted (low, <1.5 g/kg/d) dietary CHO intake for 2 days after a glycogen-depleting session. Stride pattern, heart rate (HR), capillary blood lactate, and glucose and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) response were determined. The TT was slower in low vs. high condition by 4.5 (4.5) s (~2%; p < 0.01), with a tendency toward shorter stride length. Blood lactate and glucose were lower before the TT in low vs. high condition (1.8 (0.5) vs. 2.2 (0.7) mmol/L and 5.4 (0.7) vs. 5.9 (0.8) mmol/L, p = 0.022 and 0.007, respectively), and peak lactate was higher in high vs. low condition (16.8 (3.1) vs. 14.5 (4.2) mmol/L, p = 0.039). Plasma MDA was the same before the TT, and 15 min after the TT, it increased similarly by 15% in low (p = 0.032) and high (p = 0.005) conditions. The restriction of pre-test CHO intake impaired 1500 m TT performance and reduced baseline and peak blood lactate concentrations but not blood glucose or MDA response.

Sprinting to the top: comparing quality of distance variety and specialization between swimmers and runners.

To compare performance progression and variety in race distances of comparable lengths (timewise) between pool swimming and track running. Quality of within-sport variety was determined as the performance differences between individual athletes' main and secondary race distances across (top-) elite and (highly-) trained swimmers and runners. A total of 3,827,947 race times were used to calculate performance points (race times relative to the world record) for freestyle swimmers (n = 12,588 males and n = 7,561 females) and track runners (n = 9,230 males and n = 5,841 females). Athletes were ranked based on their personal best at peak performance age, then annual best times were retrospectively traced throughout adolescence. Performance of world-class swimmers differentiates at an earlier age from their lower ranked peers (15-16 vs. 17-20 year age categories, P < 0.05), but also plateaus earlier towards senior age compared to runners (19-20 vs. 23 + year age category, P < 0.05), respectively. Performance development of swimmers shows a logarithmic pattern, while runners develop linearly. While swimmers compete in more secondary race distances (larger within-sport variety), runners specialize in either sprint, middle- or long-distance early in their career and compete in only 2, 4 or 3 other race distances, respectively. In both sports, sprinters specialize the most (P < 0.05). Distance-variety of middle-distance swimmers covers more longer rather than sprint race distances. Therefore, at peak performance age, (top-) elite female 200 m swimmers show significantly slower sprint performances, i.e., 50 m (P < 0.001) and 100 m (P < 0.001), but not long-distance performances, i.e., 800 m (P = 0.99) and 1,500 m (P = 0.99). In contrast, (top-) elite female 800 m middle-distance runners show significantly slower performances in all their secondary race distances (P < 0.001). (Top-) elite female athletes specialize more than (highly-) trained athletes in both sports (P < 0.05). The comparison to track running and lower ranked swimmers, the early performance plateau towards senior age, and the maintenance of a large within-sport distance variety indicates that (top-) elite sprint swimmers benefit from greater within-sport specialization.

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.

A SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON HEART RATE AND MUSCULAR ENDURANCE OF AEROBIC, ANAEROBIC AND COMBINED AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ACTIVITIES AMONG ELITE WOMEN

A planned, systematic and chronic training regimen will always leads to significant adaptations on physical and cardiac functions. The heart is an involuntary organ which directly get impact by any systematic training protocol as compared to any other organ of the body, based on this the investigator is throwing a light on how a long distance running training, middle distance running and weight lifting training protocol leads to a significant impact on heart rate at rest and muscular endurance. To fulfill the objectives of the study the investigator has chosen (N=45) elite women volunteered athletes of each (N=15) of long distance running, middle distance running and weight lifting, between 18 to 22 years. All the volunteered elite athletes are trained by their coaches for about 7 to 9 years. The selected criterian parameters are Heart Rate at rest (HR) and Muscular endurance, and they were measure by M- Mode Doppler Echocardiography with the support of qualified cardiologist and bent knee sit-ups (1 min) respectively. The level of significance is set at 0.01 level of assurance. The investigator has concluded that a regular and systematic long distance running, middle distance running and weight lifting training have significantly brought desired changes in heart rate at rest and muscular endurance as compared the normal, healthy, and untrained women reference values. Further, the investigation come to an that the long distance running has significantly lowered heart rate at rest, and significantly enhanced muscular endurance as compared to the middle distance running and weight lifting groups. In ordered to find out the significant difference the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. When the ‘F’ ratio is significant, the Scheffe’s post-hock test was used to find the paired mean significant difference, if any, among the groups of chosen parameters. KEYWORDS: long distance running, middle distance running, weight lifting, heart rate at rest, muscular endurance

Unveiling the influence of hip isokinetic strength on lower extremity running kinematics in male national middle-distance runners: a correlational analysis

BackgroundThe relationship between hip strength deficiency in various planes and musculoskeletal injuries within the movement system has been well-established in numerous studies. The present study sought to explore the relationships between hip strength and specific aspects of lower extremity running kinematics.MethodologyTo achieve this objective, the three-dimensional running kinematics of 21 male elite middle-distance runners (mean age: 19.7 ± 1.2 years; mean experience 6.5 ± 1.0 years) were assessed using nine high-speed cameras on a treadmill at a speed of 16 km·h⁻¹. Concurrently, isokinetic hip strength was measured at a speed of 60 deg·s⁻¹ in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Paired Samples t-test were utilized.ResultsWhile no significant differences were found in several isokinetic strength measurements, notable differences in running kinematics were observed. Specifically, pelvic drop at midstance (MS) was significantly lower in the DL (5.79 ± 3.00°) compared to the NDL (8.71 ± 1.39°) with a large effect size (t=-4.04, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.25). Additionally, knee adduction at maximum showed a moderate effect size difference, with the DL at 2.99 ± 1.13° and the NDL at 3.81 ± 1.76° (t=-2.74, p = 0.03, Cohen’s d = 0.55). Results indicated a moderate to highly positive association between running knee adduction in the dominant leg and hip external rotation (r = 0.67, p < 0.05), concentric extension (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), and concentric abduction (r = 0.78, p < 0.05). Additionally, the running tibial external rotation angle in the dominant leg exhibited an inverse relationship with all strength measurements, with statistical significance observed only for concentric extension force (r=-0.68, p < 0.05). Furthermore, hip internal rotation force demonstrated a highly inverse correlation with foot pronation in the dominant leg (r=-0.70, p < 0.05) and anterior pelvic tilt in the non-dominant leg (r=-0.76, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings underscore the interrelation between hip strength and running kinematics, particularly on the dominant side. In light of these observations, it is imperative to consider hip strength exercises as integral components for correcting running kinematics. Coaches should also be mindful that kinematic deviations contributing to running injuries may manifest unilaterally or specifically in the dominant leg.

Air speed and direction affect metabolic and thermoregulatory responses during walking and running in a temperate environment.

Revisiting classical experiments on the impact of air resistance on metabolic rate, we aimed to overcome limitations of previous research, notably: low participant numbers (n = 1-3), highly turbulent wind, and confounding effects of rising body temperature. In a custom-built wind tunnel with reduced turbulence, 14 participants (8 males, 6 females) walked (5 km·h-1) and ran on a treadmill (70%V̇o2max) at 0, 2, 4, and 6 m·s-1 headwind or tailwind in a counterbalanced design, with rest breaks between each exposure to avoid rises in body core temperature. Oxygen consumption (V̇o2) exhibited strong linear relationships versus wind direction, dynamic pressure, and air speed squared (Vwr2), lower in magnitude for headwind than tailwind. A moderate linear relationship was observed between heart rate, wind direction, dynamic pressure, and Vwr2. Below 4 m·s-1, the effect of wind was well within inter- and intraindividual variation and equipment uncertainty, and only at wind speeds ≥4 m·s-1 did the differences in physiological responses reach statistical significance. Our data indicate that at running speeds below 4 m·s-1 (14.4 km/h), indoor treadmills and outdoor running are comparable in terms of the metabolic impact of air movement relative to the person. However, this does not extend to the thermoregulatory effect of wind, with outdoor running providing a higher cooling rate due to the self-generated wind created during running. By removing the confounding impact of core temperature rises, the observed effects of headwind were lower and those of tailwind larger than observed previously. In the context of middle-distance running, the headwind created by running at 21.5 km·h-1 would result in a 2.2% increase of V̇o2. A relative tailwind of the same speed would lead to a 3.1% reduction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Revisiting classical work by Pugh and Davies on the metabolic effects of air speed and direction, shortcomings in the original studies were addressed. Using more participants, less turbulent wind, and avoiding confounding effects of work-induced core temperature increases, new equations describing the impact of air speed/direction were developed. This study observed a lower impact of headwind and a larger impact of tailwind in the absence of an exercise-induced core temperature increase.

Physiological and Locomotor Profiling Enables to Differentiate Between Sprinters, 400-m Runners, and Middle-Distance Runners.

Thron, M, Woll, A, Doller, L, Quittmann, OJ, Härtel, S, Ruf, L, and Altmann, S. Physiological and locomotor profiling enables to differentiate between sprinters, 400-m runners, and middle-distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1419-1427, 2024-Different approaches exist for characterizing athletes, e.g., physiological and locomotor profiling. The aims of this study were to generate and compare physiological and locomotor profiles of male and female runners and to evaluate relationships between the different approaches. Thirty-four highly trained adolescent and young adult female and male athletes ( n = 11 sprinters; n = 11,400-m runners; n = 12 middle-distance runners) performed two 100-m sprints on a running track to determine maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLa max ). A cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed on a treadmill to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 max). Anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) was calculated as the difference between MSS and MAS. Group comparisons were conducted with a 2-way ANOVA (discipline × sex; p < 0.05) and Bonferroni post hoc tests and Cohen's d as effect size. Parameters were correlated by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Maximal aerobic speed and V̇ o2 max were higher in 400-m and middle-distance runners compared with sprinters ( p ≤ 0.02; -2.24 ≤ d ≤ -1.29). Maximal sprinting speed and ċLa max were higher in sprinters and 400-m runners compared with middle-distance runners (0.03 ≤ p ≤ 0.28; 0.73 ≤ d ≤ 1.23). Anaerobic speed reserve was highest in sprinters and lowest in middle-distance runners ( p ≤ 0.03; 1.24 ≤ d ≤ 2.79). High correlations were found between ASR and MAS, MSS, and ċLa max ( p < 0.01; -0.55 ≤ r ≤ 0.91) and between ċLa max and MSS ( p < 0.01; r = 0.74). Our results indicate that athletes of different sprinting and running disciplines show differing physiological and locomotor profiles, and that the parameters of these approaches are related to each other. This can be of interest for assessing strengths and weaknesses (e.g., for talent identification) or training prescription in these disciplines.

Identifying physiological determinants of 800 m running performance using post-exercise blood lactate kinetics

PurposeThe aims of the present study were to investigate blood lactate kinetics following high intensity exercise and identify the physiological determinants of 800 m running performance.MethodsFourteen competitive 800 m runners performed two running tests. First, participants performed a multistage graded exercise test to determine physiological indicators related to endurance performance. Second, participants performed four to six 30-s high intensity running bouts to determine post-exercise blood lactate kinetics. Using a biexponential time function, lactate exchange ability (γ1), lactate removal ability (γ2), and the quantity of lactate accumulated (QLaA) were calculated from individual blood lactate recovery data.Results800 m running performance was significantly correlated with peak oxygen consumption (r = −0.794), γ1 and γ2 at 800 m race pace (r = −0.604 and −0.845, respectively), and QLaA at maximal running speed (r = −0.657). V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\dot{\ ext{V}}}$$\\end{document}O2peak and γ2 at 800 m race pace explained 83% of the variance in 800 m running performance.ConclusionOur results indicate that (1) a high capacity to exchange and remove lactate, (2) a high capacity for short-term lactate accumulation and, (3) peak oxygen consumption, are critical elements of 800 m running performance. Accordingly, while lactate has primarily been utilized as a performance indicator for long-distance running, post-exercise lactate kinetics may also prove valuable as a performance determinant in middle-distance running.

Basic Movement Skills for Middle Distance Running in Students Junior High School

This study aims to determine the basic movement ability of middle-distance running in junior high school students. The method of this research is descriptive qualitative which is carried out on students of class VIII A SMP Widya Sakti Denpasar. The sample in this study was 32 students from class VIII A. Data collection techniques used triangulation, namely observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Analysis of the data used is the analysis of Miles and Huberman, namely the analysis of interactive model data through the steps of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the observations showed that there were students in the good category with the percentage of results as much as 50% (16 students) and the sufficient category with the percentage of the results of the observation scores as much as 50% (16 students). The results of the interview data show that the learning process has not been maximized due to inhibiting factors. The results of the questionnaire data showed as many as 12 students (37.5%) were in the good category and as many as 20 students (62.5%) were in the sufficient category. Based on the three sources of data, the results of the study indicate that the students' ability to perform the basic movements of middle-distance running is not yet maximal. This research can be used as a reference for teachers, coaches and sports activists in improving the ability to run basic movements, namely by coordinating physical conditions and infrastructure.

Differences in lactate metabolism between middle- and long-distance runners

It is important for runners and coaches to figure out the characteristics of lactate metabolism in terms of planning the proper training. This study investigated the differences in lactate production and oxidation capacities between middle- and long-distance runners by using blood lactate concentration. We hypothesized that long-distance runners have greater capacity to oxidize lactate and middle-distance runners have greater capacity to produce lactate. In this study, 14 middle- and 14 long-distance male runners performed a multi-stage incremental test until exhaustion. Each running stage was 3-minute with 1-minute rest between stages. Blood lactate concentration was measured at rest and after each stage, and some metrics associated with runner’s capacity to oxidative lactate during moderate intensity exercise were calculated. The changes in blood lactate concentration measured after the final state of the test were modeled as a biexponential time function to evaluate lactate productive and oxidative capacities after high-intensity exercise. During moderate-intensity exercise, long-distance runners showed significant decrease in blood lactate concentrations during the first few stages of the test compared to rest, indicating greater oxidation of lactate than production of lactate during moderate intensity exercise (p&lt;0.05), while middle distance runners showed slight increase in blood lactate concentrations even for the first several stages. Middle-distance runners showed significantly higher amount of lactate produced (p&lt;0.05) and greater lactate oxidation during high-intensity exercise than those in long-distance runners (p&lt;0.01), suggesting that both lactate production and oxidation of middle-distance runners were greater than those of long-distance runners during high-intensity exercise. These results suggest that characteristics of lactate metabolism in middle- and long-distance runners depend partly on exercise intensity. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effects of three weeks base training at moderate simulated altitude with or without hypoxic residence on exercise capacity and physiological adaptations in well-trained male runners.

To test the hypothesis that 'live high-base train high-interval train low' (HiHiLo) altitude training, compared to 'live low-train high' (LoHi), yields greater benefits on performance and physiological adaptations. Sixteen young male middle-distance runners (age, 17.0 ± 1.5 y; body mass, 58.8 ± 4.9 kg; body height, 176.3 ± 4.3 cm; training years, 3-5 y; training distance per week, 30-60 km.wk-1) with a peak oxygen uptake averaging ~65 ml.min-1.kg-1 trained in a normobaric hypoxia chamber (simulated altitude of ~2,500 m, monitored by heart rate ~170 bpm; thrice weekly) for 3 weeks. During this period, the HiHiLo group (n = 8) stayed in normobaric hypoxia (at ~2,800 m; 10 h.day-1), while the LoHi group (n = 8) resided near sea level. Before and immediately after the intervention, peak oxygen uptake and exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia responses (incremental cycle test) as well as running performance and time-domain heart rate variability (5-km time trial) were assessed. Hematological variables were monitored at baseline and on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 during the intervention. Peak oxygen uptake and running performance did not differ before and after the intervention in either group (all P > 0.05). Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia responses, measured both at submaximal (240 W) and maximal loads during the incremental test, and log-transformed root mean square of successive R-R intervals during the 4-min post-run recovery period, did not change (all P > 0.05). Hematocrit, mean reticulocyte absolute count and reticulocyte percentage increased above baseline levels on day 21 of the intervention (all P < 0.001), irrespective of group. Well-trained runners undertaking base training at moderate simulated altitude for 3 weeks, with or without hypoxic residence, showed no performance improvement, also with unchanged time-domain heart rate variability and exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia responses.