The 100-km ultradistance race in Hong Kong: physical fitness profile and team performance outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine different variables leading to a successful completion of a 100-km ultradistance team event.


METHODS
Regular physical activity patterns, self-perceptions of fitness level and physical fitness profile were determined in subjects (n=253) registered for Trailwalker 2000. The battery of fitness tests included cardiopulmonary fitness, flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance and body fat composition.


RESULTS
The physical fitness data reveals that the subjects in this study have an above average fitness level compared with the norm. There was association of self-perceived fitness with physical fitness parameters (P=0) and significant correlation of the total fitness score with the completion time (P=0.02). More importantly, the team member with the lowest fitness total score was correlated with the finish time at the event (P=0). Logistic regression model identified that total fitness score and years of experience in Trailwalker were predictive of a successful completion in the event (r=0.37; P=0.007). However, the low variance suggested that the selected physical fitness tests have low prediction sensitivity to characterize the specific population in the study.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a strong need to determine a combination of physical fitness tests that could accurately predict the performance of participants in the Trailwalker event.
Yeung
S S
SS
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Yeung
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EW
D050154:Adiposity / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors