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Engelbrecht L, Rawlins M, Kohn TA, Wilson RL, Eksteen GJ, Myburgh KH. Physiological and muscle histochemical assessment of men and women 10 km runners matched for race performance or training volume. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 136:1133-1143. [PMID: 38357724 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00707.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Women have a disadvantage for performance in long-distance running compared with men. To elaborate on inherent characteristics, 12 subelite women were matched with 12 men for training volume (M-Tm) (56.6 ± 18 vs. 55.7 ± 17 km/wk). The women were also matched to other men for a 10 km staged outdoor time trial (M-Pm) (42:36 min:s) to determine which factors could explain equal running performance. Anthropometry and treadmill tests were done. Fiber type (% Type I and Type IIA) and citrate synthase activities were analyzed in muscle biopsy samples. Consistent sex differences for both comparisons included height, weight, % body fat (P < 0.01), and hematocrit (P < 0.05). Women had lower V̇o2max and peak treadmill speed (PTS) compared with both M-Tm and M-Pm (P < 0.01). Training matched pairs had no sex difference in % PTS at race pace but compared with M-Pm women ran at a higher % PTS (P < 0.05) and %HRmax (P < 0.01) at race pace. On average, the women trained 22.9 km/wk more than M-Pm (+67.5%, P < 0.01). This training was not associated with higher V̇o2max or better running economy. Muscle morphology and oxidative capacity did not differ between groups. Percentage body fat remained significantly higher in women. In conclusion, women matched to men for training volume had slower 10 km performance (-10.5% P < 0.05). Higher training volume, more high-intensity sessions/wk, and time spent training in the 95%-100% HRmax zone may explain the higher % PTS and %HRmax at race pace in women compared with performance-matched men.NEW & NOTEWORTHY When subelite women 10 km runners were matched with male counterparts for 10 km race performance, inherent differences in % body fat, V̇o2max, Hct, and peak treadmill speed were counteracted by significantly higher training volume, more time training at higher %HRmax and consequently, higher %HRmax and %PTS at race pace. Citrate synthase activity and muscle fiber types did not differ. When women and men matched for training, 10 km performance of men was 10.5% faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Engelbrecht
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Maia Rawlins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tertius A Kohn
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Robyn L Wilson
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Gabriël J Eksteen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kathryn H Myburgh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Carder MJ, Scudamore EM, Savanna KN, Pribyslavska V, Bowling LR, O'Neal EK. Retrospective and Contemporary Predictors of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Cross-Country Performance Are Sex Specific. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:2267-2272. [PMID: 37883403 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Carder, MJ, Scudamore, EM, Savanna, KN, Pribyslavska, V, Bowling, LR, and O'Neal, EK. Retrospective and contemporary predictors of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I cross-country performance are sex specific. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2267-2272, 2023-The purpose of this study was to identify National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I cross-country (XC) performance potential using laboratory-based and field-based parameters and retrospective high school (HS) personal best (PB) data at various distances of current collegiate XC runners. Fifteen female and 17 male NCAA XC runners provided their PB for 5-km (women) and 8-km (men) distances from the previous season. Bivariate correlation and stepwise and hierarchical regression modeling were used to predict XC performance. Single squat jump height and multijump reactive strength index displayed r < 0.27 for both sexes, suggesting lower-body power is a poor predictor of XC performance or masked by other factors of greater importance. Triceps skinfold thickness approached significance (r = 0.43; p = 0.09) for men but was unrelated to women's performance (r = -0.05; p = 0.86). HS XC PB neared significance (r = 0.55, p = 0.054), but no other single or combination of variables reached significance for female runners. Aerobic capacity displayed a moderate to strong relationship (r = 0.65) for male runners. High school 3,200-m PB for men produced a robust prediction capacity (r = 0.85; p = 0.005, SEE = ± 0.65 minutes), and predicted 8-km PB within 30 seconds for approximately two-thirds of runners. These outcomes suggest when recruiting HS or transfer athletes, male and female XC runners should not be recruited on the same factors. Women's XC PB is more difficult to predict, but skinfold thickness was statistically the least valuable predictor of all factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mac J Carder
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and
| | - Eric M Scudamore
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and
| | - Knight N Savanna
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
| | - Veronika Pribyslavska
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and
| | - Lynnsey R Bowling
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas; and
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
| | - Eric K O'Neal
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
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Knechtle B, Tanous DR, Wirnitzer G, Leitzmann C, Rosemann T, Scheer V, Wirnitzer K. Training and Racing Behavior of Recreational Runners by Race Distance-Results From the NURMI Study (Step 1). Front Physiol 2021; 12:620404. [PMID: 33613312 PMCID: PMC7890117 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.620404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated pre-race preparation of a large sample of recreational runners competing in different race distances (e.g., shorter than half-marathon, half-marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon). An online questionnaire was used and a total of 3,835 participants completed the survey. Of those participants, 2,864 (75%) met the inclusion criteria and 1,628 (57%) women and 1,236 (43%) men remained after data clearance. Participants were categorized according to race distance in half-marathon (HM), and marathon/ultra-marathon (M/UM). Marathon and ultra-marathon data were pooled since the marathon distance is included in an ultra-marathon. The most important findings were (i) marathon and ultra-marathon runners were more likely to seek advice from a professional trainer, and (ii) spring was most commonly reported across all subgroups as the planned season for racing, (iii) training volume increased with increasing race distance, and (iv) male runners invested more time in training compared to female runners. In summary, runners competing in different race distances prepare differently for their planned race. Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ISRCTN73074080. Retrospectively registered 12th June 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Knechtle
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Derrick R Tanous
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Claus Leitzmann
- Institute of Nutrition, University of Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Katharina Wirnitzer
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Subject Didactics and Educational Research and Development, University College of Teacher Education Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria.,Life and Health Science Cluster Tirol, Subcluster Health/Medicine/Psychology, Innsbruck, Austria.,Research Center Medical Humanities, Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Alvero-Cruz JR, Carnero EA, García MAG, Alacid F, Correas-Gómez L, Rosemann T, Nikolaidis PT, Knechtle B. Predictive Performance Models in Long-Distance Runners: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218289. [PMID: 33182485 PMCID: PMC7665126 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physiological variables such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max), running economy (RE) and changes in lactate levels are considered the main factors determining performance in long-distance races. The aim of this review was to present the mathematical models available in the literature to estimate performance in the 5000 m, 10,000 m, half-marathon and marathon events. Eighty-eight articles were identified, selections were made based on the inclusion criteria and the full text of the articles were obtained. The articles were reviewed and categorized according to demographic, anthropometric, exercise physiology and field test variables were also included by athletic specialty. A total of 58 studies were included, from 1983 to the present, distributed in the following categories: 12 in the 5000 m, 13 in the 10,000 m, 12 in the half-marathon and 21 in the marathon. A total of 136 independent variables associated with performance in long-distance races were considered, 43.4% of which pertained to variables derived from the evaluation of aerobic metabolism, 26.5% to variables associated with training load and 20.6% to anthropometric variables, body composition and somatotype components. The most closely associated variables in the prediction models for the half and full marathon specialties were the variables obtained from the laboratory tests (VO2max, vVO2max), training variables (training pace, training load) and anthropometric variables (fat mass, skinfolds). A large gap exists in predicting time in long-distance races, based on field tests. Physiological effort assessments are almost exclusive to shorter specialties (5000 m and 10,000 m). The predictor variables of the half-marathon are mainly anthropometric, but with moderate coefficients of determination. The variables of note in the marathon category are fundamentally those associated with training and those derived from physiological evaluation and anthropometric parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elvis A. Carnero
- Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida Hospital Sanford, Orlando, FL 32804, USA;
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Fernando Alacid
- Department of Education, Health Research Centre, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain;
| | - Lorena Correas-Gómez
- Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Málaga, Andalucía TECH, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Pantelis T. Nikolaidis
- School of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6977-8202-98
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.R.); (B.K.)
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Blagrove RC, Brown N, Howatson G, Hayes PR. Strength and Conditioning Habits of Competitive Distance Runners. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34:1392-1399. [PMID: 29023328 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Blagrove, RC, Brown, N, Howatson, G, and Hayes, PR. Strength and conditioning habits of competitive distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1392-1399, 2020-Targeted strength and conditioning (S&C) programs can potentially improve performance and reduce injury risk factors in competitive runners. However, S&C practices of distance runners are unknown. This study aimed to explore S&C practices of competitive middle- and long-distance runners and examined whether reported frequency of injuries was influenced by training behaviors. One thousand eight hundred eighty-three distance runners (≥15 years old) completed an online survey. All runners who raced competitively were included in data analysis (n = 667). Distance runners mainly engaged with S&C activities to lower risk of injury (63.1%) and improve performance (53.8%). The most common activities used were stretching (86.2%) and core stability exercises (70.2%). Resistance training (RT) and plyometric training (PT) were used by 62.5 and 35.1% of runners, respectively. Junior (under-20) runners include PT, running drills, and circuit training more so than masters runners. Significantly more international standard runners engaged in RT, PT, and fundamental movement skills training compared with competitive club runners. Middle-distance (800-3,000 m) specialists were more likely to include RT, PT, running drills, circuit training, and barefoot exercises in their program than longer-distance runners. Injury frequency was associated with typical weekly running volume and run frequency. Strength and conditioning did not seem to confer a protection against the number of injuries the runners experienced. Practitioners working with distance runners should critically evaluate the current S&C practices of their athletes, to ensure that activities prescribed have a sound evidence-based rationale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Blagrove
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Department of Sport and Exercise, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Brown
- School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Water Research Group, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Philip R Hayes
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Papadopoulou SD, Zorzou A, Garcia-de-Alcaraz A, Rosemann T, Knechtle B, Nikolaidis PT. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Female Volleyball Players: Is It Related with Performance Indices? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56040159. [PMID: 32252442 PMCID: PMC7230183 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56040159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution in female volleyball players with regards to (a) variation by anatomical site, (b) differences among age groups and playing positions, and (c) physiological characteristics associated with performance. Materials and Methods: Participants were adolescent (n = 89, age 15.6 ± 0.9 years, mean ± standard deviation) and adult female volleyball players (n = 78, 24.8 ± 5.3 years), who performed a series of anthropometric and performance tests including skinfold thickness in 10 sites, Abalakov jump (AJ) and handgrip test (HG). Results: Chin had the smallest thickness, and iliac crest and abdomen the largest. The largest correlations of skinfold thickness were shown with regards to AJ ad HG. Coefficient of variations in skinfold thickness correlated with performance indices with small magnitude. Triceps and chin were the most frequent predictors of performance indices. The anatomical site of skinfold was near the active muscle groups related to performance in HG. Conclusions: In conclusion, performance indices such AJ and HG were related with thickness of specific skinfolds and with the variation of thickness by anatomical site (i.e., the less the variation, the better the performance). Considering the relevance of specific skinfolds (e.g., triceps and chin) for performance, their further use would be recommended for purposes of training monitoring, volleyball players’ selection and talent identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia D. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Amalia Zorzou
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, 18450 Nikaia, Greece; (A.Z.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Antonio Garcia-de-Alcaraz
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain;
- LFE Research Group, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-69-7782-0298
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Alvero-Cruz JR, Carnero EA, Giráldez García MA, Alacid F, Rosemann T, Nikolaidis PT, Knechtle B. Cooper Test Provides Better Half-Marathon Performance Prediction in Recreational Runners Than Laboratory Tests. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1349. [PMID: 31749711 PMCID: PMC6848386 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared the ability to predict performance in half-marathon races through physiological variables obtained in a laboratory test and performance variables obtained in the Cooper field test. Twenty-three participants (age: 41.6 ± 7.6 years, weight: 70.4 ± 8.1 kg, and height: 172.5 ± 6.3 cm) underwent body composition assessment and performed a maximum incremental graded exercise laboratory test to evaluate maximum aerobic power and associated cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables. Cooper's original protocol was performed on an athletic track and the variables recorded were covered distance, rating of perceived exertion, and maximum heart rate. The week following the Cooper test, all participants completed a half-marathon race at the maximum possible speed. The associations between the laboratory and field tests and the final time of the test were used to select the predictive variables included in a stepwise multiple regression analysis, which used the race time in the half marathon as the dependent variable and the laboratory variables or field tests as independent variables. Subsequently, a concordance analysis was carried out between the estimated and actual times through the Bland-Altman procedure. Significant correlations were found between the time in the half marathon and the distance in the Cooper test (r = -0.93; p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.40; p < 0.04), velocity at ventilatory threshold 1, (r = -0.72; p < 0.0001), speed reached at maximum oxygen consumption (vVO2max), (r = -0.84; p < 0.0001), oxygen consumption at ventilatory threshold 2 (VO2VT2) (r = -0.79; p < 0.0001), and VO2max (r = -0.64; p < 0.05). The distance covered in the Cooper test was the best predictor of time in the half-marathon, and might predicted by the equation: Race time (min) = 201.26 - 0.03433 (Cooper test in m) (R 2 = 0.873, SEE: 3.78 min). In the laboratory model, vVO2max, and body weight presented an R 2 = 0.77, SEE 5.28 min. predicted by equation: Race time (min) = 156.7177 - 4.7194 (vVO2max) - 0.3435 (Weight). Concordance analysis showed no differences between the times predicted in the models the and actual times. The data indicated a high predictive power of half marathon race time both from the distance in the Cooper test and vVO2max in the laboratory. However, the variable associated with the Cooper test had better predictive ability than the treadmill test variables. Finally, it is important to note that these data may only be extrapolated to recreational male runners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elvis A Carnero
- Florida Hospital Sanford, Translational Research Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Fernando Alacid
- Department of Education, Health Research Centre, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Medbase St. Gallen am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Ferreira VR, Bento APN, Silva MR. CONSUMO ALIMENTAR, PERFIL ANTROPOMÉTRICO E CONHECIMENTOS EM NUTRIÇÃO DE CORREDORES DE RUA. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-869220152106138411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introdução A nutrição esportiva e a composição corporal são fatores importantes para o desempenho de atividades esportivas. A corrida de rua se popularizou no mundo, especialmente na última década. Os corredores de rua devem consumir uma dieta nutricionalmente adequada e ter conhecimento sobre nutrição para manter um perfil nutricional adequado. Objetivo Avaliar a adequação dietética, o perfil antropométrico e os conhecimentos em nutrição de corredores de rua. Métodos Os corredores adultos de ambos os gêneros (n = 51) foram entrevistados sobre conhecimentos em nutrição, por meio de um questionário padronizado modificado. A avaliação do consumo alimentar foi feita com a aplicação de dois recordatórios de 24 horas em dias não consecutivos e com a análise da adequação de macronutrientes, micronutrientes e fibra alimentar. A avaliação antropométrica foi realizada por meio do índice de massa corporal e percentual de gordura. Resultados A maioria dos corredores de rua do gênero masculino teve um percentual de gordura adequado e foi constatada magreza para cerca de 30% de homens e mulheres. As inadequações dietéticas de ma-cronutrientes caracterizaram-se por consumo insuficiente de carboidratos (59,6% de indivíduos) e ingestão elevada de proteínas (32,7%). Fibra, cálcio, tiamina, riboflavina e niacina foram consumidas abaixo dos níveis recomendados, principalmente entre os homens. O conhecimento em nutrição foi associado à adequação da ingestão de micronutrientes. As mulheres tiveram melhor nível de conhecimento básico em nutrição e maior prevalência de ingestão adequada. Conclusão Apesar dos corredores de rua demonstrarem alto nível de conhecimento básico em nutrição e adequado perfil antropométrico, a maioria teve hábitos alimentares e nutrição inadequados ao desempenho esportivo.
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Knechtle B, Zingg MA, Rosemann T, Rüst CA. The aspect of experience in ultra-triathlon races. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:278. [PMID: 26101730 PMCID: PMC4471069 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1050-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous experience seems to be an important predictor for endurance and ultra-endurance performance. The present study investigated whether the number of previously completed races and/or the personal best times in shorter races is more predictive for performance in longer non-stop ultra-triathlons such as a Deca Iron ultra-triathlon. All female and male ultra-triathletes who had finished between 1985 and 2014 at least one Double Iron ultra-triathlon (i.e. 7.6 km swimming, 360 km cycling and 84.4 km running), one Triple Iron ultra-triathlon (i.e. 11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling and 126.6 km running), one Quintuple Iron ultra-triathlon (i.e. 19 km swimming, 900 km cycling and 221 km running) and one Deca Iron ultra-triathlon (i.e. 38 km swimming, 1,800 km cycling and 422 km running) were identified and their best race times for each distance were recorded. Multiple regression analysis (stepwise, forward selection, p of F for inclusion <0.05, p of F for exclusion >0.1, listwise deletion) was used to determine all variables correlating to overall race time and performance in split disciplines for both Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon. The number of finished shorter races (i.e. Double and Triple Iron ultra-triathlon) was not associated with the number of finished longer races (i.e. Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon) whereas both split and overall race times correlated to split and overall race times of the longer races with the exception of the swimming split times in Double Iron ultra-triathlon showing no correlation with swimming split times in both Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon. In summary, previous experience seemed of importance in performance for longer ultra-triathlon races (i.e. Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon) where the personal best times of shorter races (i.e. Double and Triple Iron ultra-triathlon) were important, but not the number of previously finished races. For athletes and coaches, fast race times in shorter ultra-triathlon races (i.e. Double and Triple Iron ultra-triathlon) are more important than a large of number finished races in order to achieve a fast race time in a longer ultra-triathlon (i.e. Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Knechtle
- Facharzt FMH für Allgemeinmedizin, Gesundheitszentrum St. Gallen, Vadianstrasse 26, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland ; Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lippi G, Salvagno GL, Danese E, Skafidas S, Tarperi C, Guidi GC, Schena F. Mean platelet volume (MPV) predicts middle distance running performance. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112892. [PMID: 25386658 PMCID: PMC4227876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running economy and performance in middle distance running depend on several physiological factors, which include anthropometric variables, functional characteristics, training volume and intensity. Since little information is available about hematological predictors of middle distance running time, we investigated whether some hematological parameters may be associated with middle distance running performance in a large sample of recreational runners. METHODS The study population consisted in 43 amateur runners (15 females, 28 males; median age 47 years), who successfully concluded a 21.1 km half-marathon at 75-85% of their maximal aerobic power (VO2max). Whole blood was collected 10 min before the run started and immediately thereafter, and hematological testing was completed within 2 hours after sample collection. RESULTS The values of lymphocytes and eosinophils exhibited a significant decrease compared to pre-run values, whereas those of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and monocytes were significantly increased after the run. In univariate analysis, significant associations with running time were found for pre-run values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), MPV, reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration (RetCHR), and post-run values of MCH, RDW, MPV, monocytes and RetCHR. In multivariate analysis, in which running time was entered as dependent variable whereas age, sex, blood lactate, body mass index, VO2max, mean training regimen and the hematological parameters significantly associated with running performance in univariate analysis were entered as independent variables, only MPV values before and after the trial remained significantly associated with running time. After adjustment for platelet count, the MPV value before the run (p = 0.042), but not thereafter (p = 0.247), remained significantly associated with running performance. CONCLUSION The significant association between baseline MPV and running time suggest that hyperactive platelets may exert some pleiotropic effects on endurance performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lippi
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Gian Luca Salvagno
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Danese
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Spyros Skafidas
- CeRiSM (Centre for Mountain Sport and Health), Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Cantor Tarperi
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gian Cesare Guidi
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Cejka N, Rüst CA, Lepers R, Onywera V, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. Participation and performance trends in 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. J Sports Sci 2013; 32:354-66. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.825729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Tanda G, Knechtle B. Marathon performance in relation to body fat percentage and training indices in recreational male runners. Open Access J Sports Med 2013; 4:141-9. [PMID: 24379719 PMCID: PMC3871414 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s44945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anthropometric characteristics and training indices on marathon race times in recreational male marathoners. Methods Training and anthropometric characteristics were collected for a large cohort of recreational male runners (n = 126) participating in the Basel marathon in Switzerland between 2010 and 2011. Results Among the parameters investigated, marathon performance time was found to be affected by mean running speed and the mean weekly distance run during the training period prior to the race and by body fat percentage. The effect of body fat percentage became significant as it exceeded a certain limiting value; for a relatively low body fat percentage, marathon performance time correlated only with training indices. Conclusion Marathon race time may be predicted (r = 0.81) for recreational male runners by the following equation: marathon race time (minutes) = 11.03 + 98.46 exp(−0.0053 mean weekly training distance [km/week]) + 0.387 mean training pace (sec/km) + 0.1 exp(0.23 body fat percentage [%]). The marathon race time results were valid over a range of 165–266 minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Gesundheitszentrum St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland ; Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Knechtle P, Bescos R. Estimation bias: body mass and body height in endurance athletes. Percept Mot Skills 2013; 115:833-44. [PMID: 23409596 DOI: 10.2466/03.27.pms.115.6.833-844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Body Mass Index is associated with endurance performance in athletes. Reported and measured values of body mass and body height in 1,618 endurance athletes (1,358 men, 260 women) showed that men and women both underestimated their body mass and overestimated their body height, leading to an underestimation of Body Mass Index. There were age and sex differences in estimates of height and weight; for both women and men, underestimation of Body Mass Index amounted to 0.4 kg/m2. Master athletes tended to underestimate their body mass and overestimate their body height thus leading to significant differences between estimated and measured Body Mass Index. However, the magnitude of underestimation of BMI probably has a negligible influence on performance predictions. The differences between measured and estimated body mass, height, and BMI were within the range of normal daily variation, and for body height even within the precision of the measurement (0.5 cm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Knechtle
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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14
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Barandun U, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Klipstein A, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Running speed during training and percent body fat predict race time in recreational male marathoners. Open Access J Sports Med 2012; 3:51-8. [PMID: 24198587 PMCID: PMC3781899 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s33284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that personal best marathon time is a strong predictor of race time in male ultramarathoners. We aimed to determine variables predictive of marathon race time in recreational male marathoners by using the same characteristics of anthropometry and training as used for ultramarathoners. METHODS Anthropometric and training characteristics of 126 recreational male marathoners were bivariately and multivariately related to marathon race times. RESULTS After multivariate regression, running speed of the training units (β = -0.52, P < 0.0001) and percent body fat (β = 0.27, P < 0.0001) were the two variables most strongly correlated with marathon race times. Marathon race time for recreational male runners may be estimated to some extent by using the following equation (r (2) = 0.44): race time ( minutes) = 326.3 + 2.394 × (percent body fat, %) - 12.06 × (speed in training, km/hours). Running speed during training sessions correlated with prerace percent body fat (r = 0.33, P = 0.0002). The model including anthropometric and training variables explained 44% of the variance of marathon race times, whereas running speed during training sessions alone explained 40%. Thus, training speed was more predictive of marathon performance times than anthropometric characteristics. CONCLUSION The present results suggest that low body fat and running speed during training close to race pace (about 11 km/hour) are two key factors for a fast marathon race time in recreational male marathoner runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Barandun
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich
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