Physiological indexes associated with aerobic performance in endurance runners: effects of race duration

Abstracts

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the velocity at VO2max (vVO2max), time to exhaustion at vVO2max (Tlim), running economy (RE) and anaerobic threshold (AnT) to predict the aerobic performance of the endurance athletes. Fourteen well-trained long-distance runners (33.4 ± 4.4 yr.; 62.7 ± 4.3 kg; 166.1 ± 5.0 cm; VO2max = 60.4 ± 5.9 ml.kg-1.min-1) underwent the following tests: a) simulated competitions in the distances of 1500 and 5000 m and; b) laboratory treadmill tests to determine their VO2max, vVO2max, Tlim, EC and AnT. The velocities (km/h) at vVO2max (18.7 + 0.8), LAn (17.3 + 1.1) v1500 m (19.9 + 0.8) and v5000 m (17.9 + 0.9) were significantly different. A stepwise multiple-regression analysis revealed that AnT alone was the best single predictor of v-5000 m and explained 50% of the variability in 5000 m running velocity. For v1.500 m, Tlim and vVO2max explained 88 % of the variability of the performance. We conclude that, in a group of well-trained long-distance runners, the validity of the physiological indexes (VO2max, vVO2max, Tlim, EC e LAn) to predict the aerobic performance is dependent of the distance (1500 x 5000 m) analyzed.

Maximal oxygen uptake; Anaerobic threshold; Running; Aerobic performance

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a validade do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max), da velocidade correspondente ao VO2max (vVO2max), do tempo de exaustão na vVO2max (Tlim), da economia de corrida (EC) e do limiar anaeróbio (LAn) para a predição da performance de atletas de endurance. Quatorze corredores de endurance (33,4 ± 4,4 anos; 62,7 ± 4,3kg; 166,1 ± 5,0cm; VO2max = 60,4 ± 5,9ml.kg-1.min-1) realizaram os seguintes testes: a) competição simulada nas distâncias de 1.500 e 5.000m. e; b) testes de laboratório para a determinação do VO2max, vVO2max, EC, LAn e Tlim na intensidades de 100% vVO2max. As velocidades (km/h) da vVO2max (18,7 ± 0,8), LAn (17,3 ± 1,1) v1.500m (19,9 ± 0,8) e v5.000m (17,9 ± 0,9) foram significantemente diferentes. A regressão múltipla stepwise revelou que o LAn foi o único preditor da performance da v5.000m, explicando 50% da variação desta performance. Para a v1.500m, o Tlim e a vVO2max explicaram 88% da variação da performance. Com base em nossos resultados, pode-se concluir que a validade dos índices fisiológicos (VO2max, vVO2max, Tlim, EC e LAn), para a predição da performance aeróbia de atletas de endurance, é dependente da distância da prova (1.500 x 5.000m) analisada.

Consumo máximo de oxigênio; Limiar anaeróbio; Corrida; Performance aeróbia

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Physiological indexes associated with aerobic performance in endurance runners: effects of race duration

Índices fisiológicos asociados a la "performance" aerobia en competidores de "endurance": efectos de la duración de la prueba

Benedito Sérgio Denadai^I; Marcelo Janini Ortiz^I; Marco Túlio de Mello^II

^IHuman Performance Evaluation Laboratory Unesp, Rio Claro, SP

^IIExercise and Psychobiology Studies Center EPM Unifesp, SP

^{Correspondence}

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), the velocity at VO₂max (vVO₂max), time to exhaustion at vVO₂max (TE), running economy (RE) and anaerobic threshold (AT) to predict the aerobic performance of the endurance athletes. Fourteen well-trained long-distance runners (33.4 ± 4.4 yr.; 62.7 ± 4.3 kg; 166.1 ± 5.0 cm; VO₂max = 60.4 ± 5.9 ml.kg^-1.min^-1) underwent the following tests: a) simulated competitions in the distances of 1,500 and 5,000 m and; b) laboratory treadmill tests to determine their VO₂max, vVO₂max, TE, RE and AT. The velocities (km/h) at vVO₂max (18.7 ± 0.8), AT (17.3 ± 1.1) v1,500 m (19.9 ± 0.8) and v5,000 m (17.9 ± 0.9) were significantly different. A stepwise multiple-regression analysis revealed that AT alone was the best single predictor of v-5,000 m and explained 50% of the variability in 5,000 m running velocity. For v1,500 m, TE and vVO₂max explained 88% of the variability of the performance. We conclude that, in a group of well-trained long-distance runners, the validity of the physiological indexes (VO₂max, vVO₂max, TE, RE e AT) to predict the aerobic performance is dependent on the distance (1,500 x 5,000 m) analyzed.

Key words: Maximal oxygen uptake. Anaerobic threshold. Running. Aerobic performance.

RESUMEN

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la validez del consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO₂max), de la velocidad correspondiente al VO₂max (vVO₂max), del tiempo de exaustión en la vVO₂max (Tlim), de la economía de la carrera (EC) y del umbral anaeróbico (LAn) para predecir la performance de atletas de endurance. Catorce competidores de endurance (33,4 ± 4,4 años; 62,7 ± 4,3kg; 166,1 ± 5,0cm; VO₂max = 60,4 ± 5,9ml.kg^-1.min^-1) realizaron las siguientes pruebas: a) competición simulada en las distancias de 1.500 y 5.000m. e; b) pruebas de laboratorio para la determinación del VO₂max, vVO₂max, EC, LAn y Tlim en la intensidad del 100% vVO₂max. Las velocidades (km/h) de la vVO₂max (18,7 ± 0,8), LAn (17,3 ± 1,1) v1.500m (19,9 ± 0,8) y v5.000m (17,9 ± 0,9) fueron significantemente diferentes. La regresión múltiple stepwise mostró que el LAn fue el único elemento de predicción de la performance de la v5.000m, explicando el 50% de la variación de esta performance. Para la v1.500m, el Tlim y la vVO₂max explicaron el 88% de la variación de la performance. Con base en nuestros resultados, se puede concluir que la validez de los índices fisiológicos (VO₂max, vVO₂max, Tlim, EC y LAn), para la predicción de la performance aerobia de atletas de endurance depende de la distancia de la prueba (1.500 x 5.000m) analizada.

Palabras-clave: Consumo máximo de oxígeno. Límite anaerobio. Carrera. Performance aerobia.

INTRODUCTION

The identification of physiological indexes to be used for the performance prediction presents at least two important applications in the assessment and sportive training area. The first one is that individuals with some characteristics that potentially will present higher yield in some sports may be selected. The other is that the physical training with regard to the overload application (intensity x volume) can be planned and executed according to the modality's demand, especially in relation to its metabolic aspects (powers and aerobic and anaerobic capacities). The most studied indexes to predict the aerobic performance during running are: maximal oxygen uptake (O₂max), the velocity at O₂max (vO₂max), running economy (RE) and the indexes associated to the lactate response during submaximal exercise [lactate threshold (LT), anaerobic threshold (AT), intensity of maximal lactate steady state (MLSS)]^(1,2).

The O₂max is the physiological index that best represents the aerobic power, in other words, it is a measure of the maximal energy amount that may be produced by the aerobic metabolism in a given time unit⁽³⁾. However, as the RE (oxygen expenditure for a given submaximal running velocity) may vary in up to 15% even among well-trained runners, the vO₂max may be very different among athletes who present similar values of O₂max⁽⁴⁾. However, the aerobic capacity that theoretically indicates the total energy amount that could be provided by the aerobic metabolism may be well estimated through the indexes associated to the lactate response during submaximal exercise^(3,5).

There are many studies in literature that analyzed that aerobic performance prediction during running from physiological indexes previously mentioned. However, these studies, using multiple or simple regression models, analyzed the relations between the physiological indexes and the aerobic performance in a single distance in the group of athletes (frequently between 1,500 and 10,000 m)⁽⁶⁸⁾. Based on these studies, it has been proposed that the competition distance and consequently the exercise intensity may influence the relations between the physiological indexes and the aerobic yield. Nevertheless, no studies relating the aerobic performance obtained for the same athletes in different distances with two or more physiological indexes were found, especially studies using vO₂max and its respective time to exhaustion (TE). As the aerobic contribution percentile (85% x 95%) and the relative intensity at vO₂max (~ 105% x 95%) are proportionally very different between competitions of 1,500 and 5,000 m⁽⁹⁾ respectively, our hypothesis is that the relations between the physiological indexes and the performance at these distances may be different. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the predictive validity of O₂max, vO₂max, TE, RE and AT for the performance of endurance athletes at distances of 1,500 and 5,000 m.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Subjects

Fourteen well-trained long-distance runners (33.4 ± 4.4 yr.; 62.7 ± 4.3 kg; 166.1 ± 5.0 cm; 6.3 ± 2.9% body fat and 7.2 ± 4.9 years of training) participated in this study. All runners trained 6 days a week with weekly volume that ranged from 70 to 90 km during the specific preparation period. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the institution and all participants were informed of the procedures of the experiment and their implications (risks and benefits) by signing the consent form.

Experimental design

At the beginning of the experiment, all participants were accomplishing the 4^th week of the training specific preparation period.

Initially, the athletes performed the simulated competitions in the distances of 1,500 and 5,000 m. In the next week, the laboratorial tests took place for the determination of O₂max, vO₂max, AT, RE and TE performed at vO₂max. An interval of at least 48 hours was determined between each test, in which each runner was oriented to perform only one low-intensity train for a maximal period of 30-40 minutes was respected.

Anthropometrical measures

The body mass was measured in a balance with precision of 0.1 kg (Filizola, São Paulo, Brazil). The height was measured in stadiometer placed at the own scale with precision of 0.5 cm. The body fat percentile was estimated from skin folds (tricipital, suprailiac and abdominal) taken at the right side of the body (Cescorf, Porto Alegre, Brazil), as described by Guedes⁽¹⁰⁾.

Determination of

O₂max, v

O₂max and AT

The O₂max, vO₂max and AT were determined from treadmill incremental test (Life Fitness 9800, Schiller Park, IL, USA) with initial velocity of 12 km/h and increments of 1 km/h each 3 minutes until volunteer exhaustion. A pause of 30 seconds was given between each stage for the collection of 25 ml of blood from the earlobe. The treadmill inclination was maintained fixed in 1%, once this condition reflects more precisely the outdoor running energetic expenditure⁽¹¹⁾.

During tests, the exhaled gases were evaluated in the breathing-breathing mode (Sensor Medics – MMC, Anaheim, CA, USA) with recordings each 10 seconds. The highest average of 2 consecutive values recorded each 10 seconds we call as O₂max. The vO₂max was the lowest velocity in which the O₂max was reached and maintained for at least 1 minute. If O₂max was reached during a stage and not maintained for 1 minute, the velocity of the preceding stage was considered as the vO₂max⁽¹²⁾.

The blood lactate was determined through an electrochemical method (YSI 2300 STAT, Yellow Springs, OH, USA), and the AT was identified as the velocity corresponding to a fixed concentration of 3.5 mM⁽¹³⁾.

Test to determine running economy (RE) and time to exhaustion (TE)

The runners performed a warm-up exercise for 7 min at 12 km/h followed by a rest period of 3 min. Later they ran for more 8 minutes at 14 km/h. The oxygen uptake (O₂) was measured between the 6^th and 7^th minutes at 14 km/h serving as reference for the athlete's RE, which was defined as the relation between the O₂ and the running velocity⁽¹⁴⁾.

Shortly after the 8^th minute of submaximal running in a period of 30 to 45 minutes, the treadmill velocity was adjusted to intensity corresponding to 100% of the vO₂max, initiating the running until volunteer exhaustion (TE). Studies have demonstrated the validity of TE for the assessment of the anaerobic capacity⁽¹⁵⁾.

Statistical analysis

The data are expressed as average ± standard deviation (SD). The correlations between the time of competition at 1,500 and 5,000 m and the O₂max, vO₂max, TE, AT and RE were performed through step-wise multiple regression analysis. In all tests, the level of significance of p < 0.05 was adopted.

RESULTS

The O₂max, vO₂max, AT, TE and RE values of endurance runners are expressed in table 1. Table 2 shows the average velocities maintained at 1,500 and 5,000 m, expressed as absolute values (km/h) and as percentiles of the vO₂max (%vO₂max) and AT (%AT). The velocity at 1,500 m (19.9 ± 0.8 km/h) was above the AT (17.3 ± 1.1 km/h) and above vO₂max (18.70 ± 0.8 km/h) corresponding in average to 115.4 ± 5.8% and 106.7 ± 3.21% of these velocities, respectively. At distance of 5,000 m, the average velocity was between AT (103.6 ± 3.6%) and vO₂max (95.9 ± 3.6%).

The only performance predictor at 5,000 m selected through the step-wise multiple regression analysis was the AT (R² = 0.50, p < 0.05). For 1,500 m, the TE and the vO₂max explained 88% of the performance variability (table 3).

DISCUSSION

The main finding of this study is that the performance prediction of endurance athletes from O₂max, vO₂max, TE, RE and AT is dependent on the competition distance (1,500 x 5,000 m), even though the aerobic metabolism is predominant in these competitions. Our results are in agreement with Billat et al.⁽⁸⁾ who verified that the TE and the vO₂max explained 95% of the performance variation at 1,500 m and with data from Grant et al.⁽¹⁶⁾, who found that the lactate response (LT) was the performance predictor at 3,000 m.

The first aspect that must be mentioned before the discussion on the meaning of our results is the relative contribution of the aerobic and anaerobic systems for the distances analyzed in this study. Although there are criticisms about the validity of the methods that estimate the contribution of different energetic systems during maximal and supramaximal exercise (> vO₂max), recent studies have verified that the aerobic contribution at 1,500 m is above 84%⁽¹⁷⁾, exceeding 95% at distance of 5,000 m⁽⁹⁾. Even if the anaerobic contribution at 1,500 m is significant, a wide aerobic predominance is verified in distances analyzed in our study. Other aspect to be considered is the proportions between the competition average velocity and the intensities corresponding to O₂max and AT. Our results are in agreement with the hyperbolic relation between the running velocity and its respective time to exhaustion (TE) described by many authors^(18,19). For instance, the average velocity at 1,500 m (19.9 km/h – effort time of 4.5 min) is higher (106%) than the vO₂max (18.7 km/h – TE de 6.3 min). However, the average velocity at 5,000 m (17.9 km/h – effort time of 16.7 min) is lower than the vO₂max (95%) and higher than the AT (103%). In our study, the TE at AT velocity was not determined, however, very recently, Billat et al.⁽²⁰⁾ verified TE of 44 min MLSS intensity, which is very similar to AT.

Although the O₂max in runners (60 to 85 ml.kg^-1.min^-1) may be 1.5 to 2.0 times higher if compared to individuals apparently healthy, this index does not seem to be a good performance predictor when homogeneous groups of athletes are analyzed⁽¹⁾. This behavior was also observed in our study, where the O₂max did not explain significantly the performance variation in none of the distances analyzed. Initially, the low correlation between O₂max and the aerobic performance may be explained due to the low O₂max sensibility in well-trained athletes to the training effects. In these individuals, although important adaptations (metabolic and neuromuscular) that could determine improvements on the aerobic performance still exist, the oxygen central offer, or more particularly, the maximal cardiac debt, does not allow that the O₂max to increase in function of adaptations caused by training. In these conditions, both the exercise lactate response and the RE, depending on the type of training, may be improved with no modifications on the O₂max^(12,21). This hypothesis is based on studies that verified increase⁽²²⁾ or decrease in the aerobic⁽²³⁾ performance with no O₂max modifications.

Based on studies that analyzed the aerobic performance prediction from multiple or simple regression models, it has been speculated that the competition distance and consequently the exercise intensity may influence the relation between physiological indexes and yield. The data from our study supports this hypothesis. At 1,500 m, the TE (an anaerobic capacity indicator)⁽¹⁵⁾ and the vO₂max explained 88% of the performance variation. In the same way, Billat et al.⁽⁸⁾ verified that the TE and the vO₂max explained 95% of the performance variation at 1,500 m in a group of middle-distance elite runners. Thus, it verifies that the performance at 1,500 m seems to depend mainly on the anaerobic capacity (TE) and on the aerobic power, however, the anaerobic power associated to RE, i.e., the vO₂max. Thus, it is suggested that the evaluation aiming at the selection and/or the follow-up of the training effects of middle-distance athletes (800, 1,500 m) should include the determination of TE and vO₂max. With regard to the type of training, it is recommended the inclusion of 1 to 2 weekly sessions of high-intensity aerobic training with intervals (100-110% vO₂max)⁽²¹⁾ or 2 sessions of resistance training⁽²⁴⁾, that, although do not modify the athletes' O₂max, increase the vO₂max through the improvement of RE.

For 5,000 m, the only predictor selected through the multiple regression analysis was the AT, which explained 50% of the performance variation. These data are similar to data obtained by Grant et al.⁽¹⁶⁾, who found that the lactate response (LT) was the only performance predictor at 3,000 m (87% of explanation) in a group of middle- and long-distance runners. Although in the study of Grant et al.⁽¹⁶⁾ the distance had been longer, the competition average velocity was also low (95%) of the vO₂max of its athletes. Thus, when the competition duration determines intensity below vO₂max, the performance seems to depend more on the aerobic capacity (lactate response) than on the aerobic power, even when associated to RE (vO₂max). However, our study emphasizes that the explanation coefficient was smaller than that observed in the study of Grant et al.⁽¹⁶⁾. Part of this difference may be explained by the performance homogeneity at 5,000 m of our group (variation coefficient = 5%) in relation to the previous study, where the performance variation at 3,000 m was higher (variation coefficient = 8%). The limitation of the utilization of a fixed concentration to determine the lactate response must also be considered in our study. It is possible that the direct determination of MLSS could present higher performance explanation levels, once the identification takes into account the lactate individual kinetics of each athlete. The MLSS has been considered as the standard method for the determination of the lactate response and, consequently, the aerobic capacity⁽²⁵⁾. The disadvantage is that its determination requires from 3 to 4 constant-load exercise sessions with duration of approximately 30 minutes performed preferentially at different days. Therefore, the evaluation aiming at the selection and/or the follow-up of the training effects in long-distance athletes should include the determination of the lactate response, especially the MLSS. With regard to the type of raining, the inclusion of 1 to 2 weekly sessions of continuous (95-100% MLSS) or with intervals (100-105% MLSS)⁽⁹⁾ aerobic trains are recommended particularly in the specific period.

Based on our results, one may conclude that the aerobic performance prediction of endurance athletes from O₂max, vO₂max, TE, RE and AT is dependent on the competition distance analyzed (1,500 x 5,000 m). However, the conduction of studies able to directly determine MLSS and also to analyze middle-distance competitions specialized athletes in order to verify the possible influences of these factors on data obtained in our study is recommended.

All the authors declared there is not any potential conflict of interests regarding this article.

REFERENCES

Received in 24/2/04. 2^nd version received in 11/8/04. Approved in 14/8/04.

Support: CNPq and Fapesp

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  24 Nov 2005
• Date of issue
  Oct 2004

History

• Accepted
  14 Aug 2004
• Received
  24 Feb 2004