Relations of five kilometer performance, energy cost of running and predicted velocity at VO2max in trained male runners

Energy cost of running has been reported to correlate either negatively，positively or insignificantly with maximal oxygen intake per body weight (VO2max/Wt). on the other hand, predicted velocity at V02max (vV02max) has been shown as an index of long-distance running performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the relationships of 5 km running performance，energy cost of running and vVO2max. Subjects of the present study were six long-distance runners aged 22-33 years old. They have been trained for more than eight years and are skillful in treadmill running. These subjects performed 5 km running tests on a treadmill at different 3-5 speeds between 238 and 313 m/min. The coefficients of variance (CV) of total oxygen consumptions at the different running speeds were only 2.0 to 3.6%. This reveals similarity of the total oxygen consumptions in spite of the difference of running speeds, agreeing with the results reported by Margaria et al. 14). There were significant and positive correlations between vV02max and 5 km running performance (the best record in this season). But there were no significant correlations of 5 km performances, energy costs，VO2max/wt and velocities at the blood lactate concentration of 4 and 7 mM，and of vV02max and other parameters except 5 km running performance. These results led to conclusions: The vV02max is a useful index for 5 km performance in well-trained runners，but VO2max/wt and energy cost of running are not.