Assessment of middle-distance running performance in sub-elite young runners using energy cost of running

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of upsilon(amax) as an indicator of middle-distance running performance in sub-elite young runners, upsilon(amax) being defined as the quotient maximal oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2max)) divided by the net energy cost of running (C-r) on a treadmill at a submaximal running velocity (280 m . min(-1)). The (V) over dotO(2max), ventilatory threshold, upsilon(amax), and C-r were assessed in 39 young male sub-elite runners having only small variations in performance level. The relationship between each variable and running performance (at 1500 m, 3000 m, and 5000 m) was evaluated. A trend toward a negative correlation existed between C,and performance although this was not significant. The (V) over dotO(2max) and upsilon(amax) were significantly related to performance. The upsilon(amax) accounted for around 50% of the variability in performance whereas other physiological variables selected in this study were responsible, at best, for approximately 39%. The results presented in this study suggested that upsilon(amax) was a useful indicator of middle-distance running performance in sub-elite young runners with similar performance levels as well as in top elite athletes.