ISSN:
1439-6327
Keywords:
Middle-distance running velocity
;
Sex
;
Body dimensions
;
Energy cost of running
;
Maximal oxygen consumption
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary To compare the relative contributions of their functional capacities to performance in relation to sex, two groups of middle-distance runners (24 men and 14 women) were selected on the basis of performances over 1500-m and 3000-m running races. To be selected for the study, the average running velocity ( $$\bar v$$ ) in relation to performances had to be superior to a percentage (90% for men and 88% for women) of the best French $$\bar v$$ achieved during the season by an athlete of the same sex. Maximal O2 consumption ( $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max) and energy cost of running (CR) were measured in the 2 months preceding the track season. This allowed us to calculate the maximal $$\bar v$$ that could be sustained under aerobic conditions, νa,max. A $$\bar v$$ : νa, max ratio derived from 1500-m to 3000-m races was used to calculate the maximal duration of a competitive race for which $$\bar v$$ = νa,max (t νa,max) In both groups νa,max was correlated to $$\bar v$$ . The relationships calculated for each distance were similar in both sexes. The CR [0.179 (SD 0.010) ml · kg−1 · m−1 in the women versus 0.177 (SD 0.010) in the men] andt νa,max [7.0 (SD 2.0) min versus 8.4 (SD 2.1)] also showed no difference. The relationships between $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max and body mass (m b) calculated in the men and the women were different. At the samem b the women had a 10% lower CR than the men; their lowerm b thus resulted in an identical CR. In both groups CR and $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max were strongly correlated (r=0.74 and 0.75 respectively,P〈0.01), suggesting that a high level of $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max could hardly be associated with a low CR. These relationships were different in the two groups (P〈0.05). At the same $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max the men had a higher νa,inax than the women. Thus, the disparity in track performances between the two sexes could be attributed to $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max and to the $$\dot V{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} $$ max/CR relationships.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00602366
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