Physiological and performance-related variables associated with long-distance running performance in female distance runners.

BACKGROUND

Long-distance running performance is influenced by multiple physiological factors, among which aerobic capacity has traditionally been considered particularly important. Although recent evidence suggests that sprint-related characteristics also play an important role, the determinants of long-distance running performance in female athletes remain insufficiently understood.

PURPOSE: This exploratory cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationships between long-distance running performance and multiple physiological determinants, performance-related indices, performance-related characteristics, and physiological parameters, including aerobic capacity, running economy (RE), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), 100-m sprint time, and maximal rate of lactate accumulation (vLamax), in female long-distance runners.

METHODS

Thirteen trained female runners participated in this study. Physiological variables, including peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) as an index of aerobic capacity, were assessed using treadmill-based step- and ramp-incremental tests, during which RE was defined as oxygen uptake at a running speed of 180 m·min⁻1. Sprint performance was evaluated using a 100-m maximal sprint test on an outdoor all-weather track.

RESULTS

Long-distance running performance was defined as the seasonal best time in the 3,000-m event (3,000-m SB: 10:07.8 ± 0:21.1). The 3,000-m SB was significantly correlated with 100-m sprint time (r = 0.731, p = 0.003), RE (r = 0.662, p = 0.010), vLamax (r = -0.657, p = 0.011), and running velocity at OBLA (r = -0.612, p = 0.020). No significant correlation was observed between 3,000-m SB and V̇O2peak. All significant correlations remained statistically significant after Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate correction.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that sprint-related characteristics, RE, and lactate-related performance indices are associated with long-distance running performance in female long-distance runners.