PHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RUNNING CURVE

  • 1 January 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 82  (1) , 52-60
Abstract
This paper presents a physiological model for the analysis of the "running curve" (i.e. the relationship between running time and power output). This model is derived from the basic hyperbolic model modified in order to take into account the slow adjustment of oxygen utilization and of glycolysis at the onset of exercise and the progressive reduction of average aerobic power sustained with increasing running time for races lasting longer than 7 min. This model provides a satisfactory smoothing of the running curve from 200 m to marathon. Average errors (in absolute value) between actual and estimated power output are 0.9 .+-. 0.2% (.+-. SE) and 1.3 .+-. 0.4% for male and female world records respectively. The basic hyperbolic model (Ptc = A/tc + B) provides a satisfactory smoothing of the running curve on comparatively narrow ranges of events. Estimations of anaerobic energy stores and of .ovrhdot.VO2 max made for male and female from world records (1 219 J .cntdot. kg-1 and 76.4 ml .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. min-1; 1 118 J .cntdot. kg-1 and 67.8 ml .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. min-1 respectively) are in reasonable agreement with expected values in elite runners. The model allows the computation of an objective measure of endurance, i.e. the so-called ability to sustain a high percentage of .ovrhdot.VO2 max for a long period of time. Endurance is expressed more precisely as the reduction of % .ovrhdot.VO2 max which can be sustained over the racing time, when the running time is multiplied by e (2.71828), for running time greater than 7 min. The values computed from male and female world records (-5.05 and -4.65% .ovrhdot.VO2 max. In tc-1) suggest than the female runners have a slightly better endurance capability than their male counterparts.

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