The Relationship Between Running Economy And Maximal Oxygen Uptake In Trained Adolescent Female Distance Runners

The independent characteristics of good running economy (lower submaximal VO2) and a high maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) have been related to distance running success. However, the interaction between these two measurements is not well-defined in young adolescent runners. PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between running economy (RE) and VO2max in a group of well-trained adolescent female distance runners. METHODS Nineteen subjects (15.9 ± 1.0 yrs; 168 ± 6.3 cm; 55 ± 6.5 kg) performed two 6-min submaximal treadmill runs at 7.0 and 8.0 mph, respectively. Running economy was defined as the VO2 (ml·kg−1 ·min−1) at each speed and the delta VO2 from 7.0 to 8.0 mph. Subsequent to the final RE speed, VO2max was measured using a graded exercise test to maximal voluntary exhaustion. Oxygen consumption was assessed using standard open circuitry spirometry techniques. RESULTS Running economy at 7.0 and 8.0 mph were 41.3 ± 2.7 ml·kg−1 ·min−1 and 46.8 ± 2.9 ml·kg−1 ·min−1, respectively. The delta VO2 averaged 5.5 ± 1.0 ml·kg−1 ·min−1. VO2max averaged 58.0 ± 5.9 ml·kg−1 ·min−1. Pearson correlation analyses revealed a significant relationship between the delta VO2 and VO2max (r = 0.56, p <0.05). However, there were no significant relationships between RE at each velocity and VO2max (r = 0.20 at 7.0 mph; r = 0.38 at 8.0 mph). CONCLUSION Although RE was not significantly related to VO2max, the delta VO2, another measure of economy, was related in a manner that suggested the runners with the highest VO2max tended to be less economical with respect to the change in VO2 from one speed to the next. Future research in this area should focus on the interaction between VO2max and the biomechanical and metabolic influences of RE as it relates to this population. Funding provided by the Indiana Academy of Science and Ball State University