Distance running performance and physiological variables in highly trained female distance runners

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the association of running performance with physical variables as well as aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism capacities in highly trained female distance runners who specialize in trackevent competitions (800-10,000 m). METHODS: 26 female distance runners (age, 20.3 +/- 1.9 years; height, 161.1 +/- 4.2 cm; body mass, 46.9 +/- 4.7 kg; Body Mass Index [HMI], 18.01,1.4 kg.m (-2); and seasonal best performance, mean International Association of Athletics Federations [IAAF] Score of 995.2 +/- 81.0 points). Participants underwent multi-incremental running tests on a treadmill to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max). lactate threshold intensity (LTI), running economy at intensity below (REbLT), running economy near (REnLT) and running economy above the lactate threshold (R-aLT) as well as maximal blood lactate concentration (La-max). RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant relationship of the IAAF Score with REbLT, REnLT and La-max (r=-0.52, -0.57 and 0.40, respectively); however, the IAAF Score was not significantly related to REnLT, BMI, VO(2)max and LTI (r=-0.33, -0.35, 0.32 and 0.03, respectively). We also found that 76.8% of the IAAF Score could be explained by REbLT, La-max. and VO(2)max. However. REbLT was significantly related to VO(2)max (r=0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The running performance of highly trained female runners is associated with REbLT and La-max; further, >70% of the running performance can be explained by REbLT, La-max= and VO(2)max. However, RENA. is observedan inverse relationship with VO2 max. On the other hand, REaLT is not associated with running performance.