Determinants of 800-m and 1500-m Running Performance Using Allometric Models

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the optimal aerobic determinants of elite, middle-distance running (MDR) performance, using proportional allometric models. Methods: Sixty-two national and international male and female 800-m and 1500-m runners undertook an incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion. Mean submaximal running economy (ECON), speed at lactate threshold (speedLT), maximum oxygen uptake (V˙ O2max), and speed associated with V˙ O2max (speedV˙ O2max) were paired with best performance times recorded within 30 d. The data were analyzed using a proportional power-function ANCOVA model. Results: The analysis identified significant differences in running speeds with main effects for sex and distance, with V˙ O2max and ECON as the covariate predictors (P G 0.0001). The results suggest a proportional curvilinear association between running speed and the ratio (V˙ O2maxIECONj0.71)0.35 explaining 95.9% of the variance in performance. The model was cross-validated with a further group of highly trained MDR, demonstrating strong agreement (95% limits, 0.05 T 0.29 mIsj1) between predicted and actual performance speeds (R 2 = 93.6%). The model indicates that for a male 1500-m runner with a V˙ O2max of 3.81 LIminj1 and ECON of 15 LIkmj1 to improve from 250 to 240 s, it would require a change in V˙ O2max from 3.81 to 4.28 LIminj1, an increase of $0.47 LIminj1. However, improving by the same margin of 10 s from 225 to 215 s would require a much greater increase in V˙ O2max, from 5.14 to 5.85 LIminj1 an increase of $0.71 LIminj1 (where ECON remains constant). Conclusion: A proportional curvilinear ratio of V˙ O2max divided by ECON explains 95.9% of the variance in MDR performance.