Ventilatory Threshold,Running Economy and Distance Running Performance of Trained Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships among ventilatory threshold T(vent), running economy and distance running performance in a group (N=9) of trained experienced male runners with comparable maximum oxygen uptake (Vdot]O₂ max). Maximal oxygen uptake and submaximal steady state oxygen uptake were measured using open circuit spirometry during treadmill exercise. Ventilatory threshold was determined during graded treadmill exercise using non-invasive techniques, while distance running performance was assessed by the best finish time in two 10-kilometer (km) road races. The subjects averaged 33.8 minutes on the 10km runs, 68.6 ml · kg ^-1 · min ^-1 for Vdot]O₂ max, and 48.1 ml · kg ^-1 · min ^-1 for steady state Vdot]O₂ running at 243 meters · min ^-1. The T(vent) (first deviation from linearity of Vdot]_E, Vdot]CO ₂ ) occurred at an oxygen consumption of 41.9 ml · kg ^-1 · min ^-1. The relationship between running economy and performance was r = .51 (p>0.15) and the relationship between T(vent) and performance was r = .94 (p < 0.001). Applying stepwise multiple linear regression, the multiple R did not increase significantly with the addition of variables to the T(vent); however, the combination of Vdot]O₂ max, running economy and T(vent) was determined to account for the greatest amount of total variance (89%). These data suggest that among trained and experienced runners with similar Vdot]O₂ max, T(vent) can account for a large portion of the variance in performance during a 10km race.