title: Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between running economy (RE) and performance in a homogenous group of competitive Kenyan distance runners. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) (68.8 ± 3.8 ml∙kg(-1)∙min(-1)) was determined on a motorised treadmill in 32 Kenyan (25.3 ± 5.0 years; IAAF performance score: 993 ± 77 p) distance runners. Leg anthropometry was assessed and moment arm of the Achilles tendon determined. While Achilles moment arm was associated with better RE (r(2) = 0.30, P = 0.003) and upper leg length, total leg length and total leg length to body height ratio were correlated with running performance (r = 0.42, P = 0.025; r = 0.40, P = 0.030 and r = 0.38, P = 0.043, respectively), RE and maximal time on treadmill (t(max)) were not associated with running performance (r = -0.01, P = 0.965; r = 0.27; P = 0.189, respectively) in competitive Kenyan distance runners. The dissociation between RE and running performance in this homogenous group of runners would suggest that RE can be compensated by other factors to maintain high performance levels and is in line with the idea that RE is only one of many factors explaining elite running performance.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Sport and Exercise Sciences , University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mooses
authors.forename: Kerli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mooses
authors.forename: Diresibachew Wondimu
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Haile
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Durussel
authors.forename: Priit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kaasik
authors.forename: Yannis Paul
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Pitsiladis
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000328:Adult; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Achilles moment arm; Kenyan distance runners; anthropometric characteristics; maximal oxygen uptake; running economy; running performance