Physiological, anthropometric, and training correlates of running economy.
Potential physiological, anthropometric, and training determinants of running economy (RE) were studied in a heterogeneous group of habitual distance runners (N = 188, 119 males, 69 females). RE was measured as VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1) during level treadmill running at 161 m.min-1 (6 mph) (VO2-6). Examined as potential determinants of RE were heart rate and ventilation while running at 6 mph (HR6, VE6), VO2max (ml.kg-1 x min-1), % fat, age, gender, height, weight, estimated leg mass, typical training pace, training volume, and sit-and-reach test performance. RE was entered as the dependent variable and the potential determinants as independent variables in zero-order correlation and multiple regression analyses. Zero-order correlation analysis found VO2max, HR6, and VE6 to be significantly, positively correlated with VO2-6 (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis, in which the independent effect of each predictor variable was examined, revealed VO2-6 to be positively correlated with VO2max (P < 0.001), HR6 (P < 0.001), VE6 (P < 0.001), and age (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with weight (P < 0.01). These findings indicate that, in a diverse group of runners, better RE (VO2-6) is associated with lower VO2max, lower submaximal exercise VE and HR, lower age, and greater weight.
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Department of Exercise Science, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208.
Macera
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Bailey
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Bartoli
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Powell
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D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001835:Body Weight; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012119:Respiration; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*