Abstract
Purpose
The use of oxygen cost (\(\dot{O}\)aero) parameters to predict endurance performance has recently been criticized. Instead, it is suggested that aerobic energy cost (\(\dot{E}_{\text{aero}}\)) provides greater validity; however, a comparison of these quantification methods has not previously been made.
Methods
Fifty-six male (n = 34) and female (n = 22) competitive adolescent (17 ± 1 years) middle-distance runners participated in a sub-maximal and maximal incremental treadmill test. Running economy (RE) was measured at the speed corresponding to lactate turnpoint, and the three speeds prior. Maximal oxygen uptake (\(\dot{V}\)O2max), speed at \(\dot{V}\)O2max and fraction of \(\dot{V}\)O2max utilized across a range of intensities, and speeds from 0.8, 1.5 and 3 km races were also quantified. RE and fractional utilization were calculated in units of \(\dot{O}\)aero and \(\dot{E}\)aero.
Results
Multiple linear regression models demonstrated no discernible difference in the predictive capability of RE, fractional utilization and \(\dot{V}\)O2max when expressed as \(\dot{O}\)aero or \(\dot{E}\)aero in both sexes. When plotted as a function of running speed, \(\dot{O}\)aero displayed a stepwise decrease (F = 11.59, p
Description
This study examines aerobic performance determinants in adolescent middle-distance runners.