Association between running economy and VO2max values in high-level Ethiopian male and female distance runners measured at high altitude

Objective

To determine the VO2max and running economy (RE) of high-level Ethiopian distance runners and to examine the relationship between these variables in both sexes.

Result

VO2max was measured in 23 female (weight: 49.5 ± 5.5 kg, height: 1.59 ± 0.05 m, VO2max 54.4 ± 5.1 ml·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹) and 30 male (weight: 59.2 ± 5.7 kg, height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m, VO2max 66.2 ± 5.9 ml·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹) Ethiopian middle- and long-distance runners. Oxygen uptake at various speeds (12, 14, 16, and 18 km·h⁻¹) was computed. Correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VO2max and RE. Female athletes demonstrated very-good RE at 12, 14, and 16 km·h⁻¹ (189 ± 17, 183 ± 14, and 173 ± 13 O2 ml·min⁻¹·km⁻¹, respectively). Male athletes’ RE at 12, 14, 16, and 18 km·h⁻¹ were 162 ± 18, 181 ± 13, 178 ± 18, and 180 ± 15 O2 ml·min⁻¹·km⁻¹, respectively. Significant correlations were found between VO2max and RE at 14 km·h⁻¹ in female athletes (r = 0.535, p = 0.009), and between VO2max and RE at 12 km·h⁻¹ and 14 km·h⁻¹ in male athletes (r = 0.513, p = 0.004; r = 0.550, p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

This study reveals outstanding RE and good VO2max in Ethiopian distance runners, suggesting that exceptional RE may compensate for lower VO2max for top performance.

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Examines the relationship between VO2 max and running economy in Ethiopian distance runners.