Middle-distance athletes: testing and training

Question 1

Key biomechanical and testing

considerations

Answer 1

• Minimise GCT
• Minimise braking forces on GC
• Reduced vertical displacement of the pelvis during GC (k)
• Trunk posture steady in all planes throughout gait

Question 2

SELECTED PHYSIOLOGICAL

DETERMINANTS: Maximal oxygen uptake (𝑉O2max)

Answer 2

“The maximal amount of oxygen taken up by the
working tissues and used in aerobic metabolism”

• Measured in L or ml of O2 per minute
– ml/kg/min (relative to body mass)

• 𝑉O2 is a measure of the rate of aerobic metabolism

• 𝑉O2max is a measure of the maximal rate of aerobic
metabolism

Question 3

what is the Fick equation?

Answer 3

VO2=Q x a-vO2 diff

Q= stroke volume x Heart rate

a-vO2= ability to extract oxygen from the blood.

Question 4

what is maximal oxygen uptake and the gold standard?

Answer 4

“Oxygen consumption at a given work rate, beyond which no further increase is observed” (‘ceiling’ value of aerobic energy supply)’

Gold standard = Maximal exercise test with collection of expired gases Many alternative

approaches; such as:

Field tests: take place in a variety of non-laboratory settings, typically by a group of people.

Question 5

what do middle middle-distance runner need to

know?

Answer 5

• Their general plan (wish) for the race

pace i.e. pacing
- Their critical speed and D’

• Beware of tactical changes!