Correlates of running performance in middle school cross-country runners : an honors 499thesis

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Authors
Malison, Erin R.
Advisor
Mahon, Anthony D.
Issue Date
1997
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of body fatness (BF), aerobic and anaerobic ability on 3-km running performance in 7 (3male, 4 female) middle-school runners (13.7 ± 0.7 years). Running economy (RE) at 5, 6, and 7 mph and VO2i,,,a were measured during an exercise test on a treadmill. On another day, two 55-meter sprints and a 3-km run followed by a blood sample to determine blood lactate concentration (BL) were performed. The data were analyzed using simple and stepwise multiple regression. V02, HR, and RER at maximal exercise were 54.7 ± 6.1 ml/kg/min, 205.9 + 4.0 bpm, and 1.14 + 0.05, respectively. The average time for the 3-km run was 14.29 ± 1.23 min. Correlations were observed between the following variables and run time: BF (0.42), RE at 6 mph (-0.25), VO2 (-0.36), fractional utilization (FU) during the 3-km run (-0.67; p = 0.10), 55-meter rime (0.21), and BL (-0.39). At p <_ 0.05, no correlations were statistically significant. The multiple regression analysis did not yield any further results. The failure of sprint time and post-3 km BL to be significantly associated with running performance is in contrast to data on younger and less mature children. In contrast, the moderately high relationship between distance running performance and the FU used is in agreement with what has been reported with adult runners. In conclusion, it would appear that during the pubertal transition, the influence of anaerobic ability on distance running performance abates, and that training designed to enhance the development of aerobic power will optimize running performance at this distance in this age group. However, due to the limited sample size and mixed gender, these results should be viewed with caution.