The Relative Influence of a Model of Selected Physiological, Morphological and Running Parameters on Middle Distance Running Performance

This study was conducted to assess the relative influence of a model of selected physiological, morphological and mechanical parameters on running performance at 800, 1500 and 3000 meters (m). The hypothesis examined was that the relative contribution and priority of importance of the parameters studied would be similar across the middle distances. Fifty-eight male recreational runners (x age 26.6 yr; x VO(,2) max 62.5 ml/kg-min) were measured for body size, body composition, anaerobic power and capacity, anaerobic threshold, VO(,2) max and running mechanics including stride rate and length. Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the relative importance of the selected parameters on the three performance runs. The precision with which the performance runs were estimated from the selected parameters was (R = .83; SEE = .14 Min) for 800 m, (R = .81; SEE = .30 min) for 1500 m and (R = .86; SEE = .59 min) for 3000 m. The association between the performance runs and aerobic factors as reflected by both VO(,2) max and the anaerobic threshold increased as the distance increased, while the relationship with running mechanics decreased with increasing distance. The influence of body size and composition as well as anaerobic power and capacity was relatively consistent on all three runs. The parameters in the 1500 meter equation were reasonably similar to those in both the 800 and 3000 m equations, however, the 800 and 3000 meter equations were considerably different. This suggests the possibility that 1500 meter runners can be successful at all three distances, but difficulties may be experienced by specialists at 800 and 3000 m who attempt to interchange these two distances.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physical Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Brandon, Leslie Jerome

• Education, Physical

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8409868

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71864