Energy system contribution during 200-to 1500-m running in highly trained athletes

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to profile the aerobic and anaerobic energy system contribution during high-speed treadmill exercise that simulated 200-, 400-, 800-, and 1500-m track running events. Methods: Twenty highly trained athletes (Australian National Standard) participated in the study, specializing in either the 200-m (N = 3), 400-m (N = 6), 800-m (N = 5), or 1500-m (N = 6) event (mean (V) over dot O-2 peak [mL.kg(-1).min(-1)] +/- SD = 56 +/- 2, 59 +/- 1, 67 +/- 1, and 72 +/- 2, respectively). The relative aerobic and anaerobic energy system contribution was calculated using the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) method. Results: The relative contribution of the aerobic energy system to the 200-, 400-, 800-, and 1500-m events was 29 +/- 4, 43 +/- 1, 66 +/- 2, and 84 +/- 1% +/- SD, respectively. The size of the AOD increased with event duration during the 200-, 400-, and 800-m events (30.4 +/- 2.3, 41.3 +/- 1.0, and 48.1 +/- 4.5 mL.kg(-1), respectively), but no further increase was seen in the 1500-m event (47.1 +/- 3.8 mL.kg(-1)). The crossover to predominantly aerobic energy system supply occurred between 15 and 30 s for the 400-, 800-, and 1500-m events. Conclusions: These results suggest that the relative contribution of the aerobic energy system during track running events is considerable and greater than traditionally thought.