Relationship between 800-m Running Performance and Aerobic and Anaerobic Energy Metabolism Capacities in Well-Trained Middle-Distance Runners

Abstract

The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the 800-m running performance and aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism capacities in well-trained middle-distance runners. This study was conducted on 12 male middle-distance runners (age 19.7±0.9 years, height 170.0±4.6 cm, body weight 58.9±3.0 kg, body fat 7.8%±1.2%, 800-m season best time 1′53″2±2″2, and equivalent to an average velocity of 25.4±0.4 km·h⁻¹ over 800 m). Participants underwent three running tests on a treadmill to assess aerobic (maximal oxygen uptake [VO₂max], lactate threshold intensity [LTI], and running economy [RE]) and anaerobic (maximal accumulated oxygen deficit [MAOD] and maximal accumulation blood lactate concentration [ΔbLa]) energy metabolism capacities. The results demonstrated a significantly negative relationship between the 800-m running velocity and RE and MAOD (r=−0.78 and −0.72, respectively), but not with VO₂max, LTI, and ΔbLa (r=−0.16, −0.17, and 0.11, respectively). Furthermore, this study demonstrated that >70% of the 800-m running velocity could be explained by RE, LTI, and ΔbLa. These results suggest that RE affects the 800-m running performance in well-trained runners.