Physiological Correlates of Female Road Racing Performance |
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Authors: | Douglas L Conley Gary S Krahenbuhl Lee N Burkett A Lynn Millar |
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Institution: | 1. HPE Department , USA;2. Human Performance Laboratory/HPE , Arizona State University , Tempe , AR , 85287 , USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between female distance running performance on a 10 km road race and body composition, maximal aerobic power (Vdot]O2 max ), running economy (steady-state Vdot]O2 at standardized speeds), and the fractional utilization of Vdot]O2max at submaximal speeds (% Vdot]O2max ). The subjects were 14 trained and competition–experienced female runners. The subjects averaged 43.7 min on the 10 km run, 53.0 ml · kg?1 · min?1 on Vdot]O2max , and 33.9, 37.7, and 41.8 ml · kg?1 · min?1 for steady-state Vdot]O2 at three standardized running paces (177, 196, and 215 m · min?1). The mean values for fractional utilization of aerobic capacity for these three submaximal speeds were 64.3, 71.4, and 79.3% Vdot]O2max , respectively. Significant (p < 0.01) relationships with performance were found for Vdot]O2max (r = ?0.66) and % Vdot]O2max at a standardized speed (r = 0.65). No significant (p > 0.05) relationships were found between running performance and either running economy or relative body fat. As with male heterogeneous groups, trained female road racing performance is significantly related to Vdot]O2max and % Vdot]O2max , but not related to body composition or running economy. It was further concluded that on a 10 km road race, trained females operate at a % Vdot]O2max similar to that of their trained male counterparts. |
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Keywords: | aerobic capacity body composition distance running female running economy |
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