Percent utilization of VO2 max at 5-km competition velocity does not determine time performance at 5 km among elite distance runners.
The present study investigated to what extent maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and fractional utilization (%VO2 max) in 5-km competition speed correlate with 5-km performance times among elite long distance runners. Eight elite long distance runners with 5-km performance times of 15.10 minutes ( +/- 32 seconds) were tested for VO2 max during an incremental protocol and for %VO2 max during an 8-minute treadmill test at the velocity representing their 5-km seasonal best performance time. There was no correlation between fractional utilization and 5-km performance. The study showed no significant difference between VO2 max obtained during an incremental VO2 max test and %VO2 max when running for 8 minutes at the runner's individual 5-km competition speed. The 5-km time was related to the runner's VO2 max even in a homogenous high-level performance group. In conclusion, the present study found no relationship between fractional utilization and 5-km performance time. Training aiming to increase %VO2 max may thus be of little or no importance in performance enhancement for competitions lasting up to approximately 20 minutes.
Støa
Eva Maria
EM
Telemark University College, Department of Sport and Outdoor Life Studies, Bø, Norway. eva.m.stoa@hit.no
Støren
Øyvind
Ø
Enoksen
Eystein
E
Ingjer
Frank
F
D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D014142:Track and Field / Q000502:physiology*
D019344:Lactic Acid