Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Use of Laboratory Test Results with Long Distance Runners

  • Research Review
  • Published:
Sports Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Appropriate tests can be used to accurately estimate: (a) an individual’s potential for success in long distance running; (b) his current level of conditioning; (c) his appropriate training and racing paces; and (d) his ideal bodyweight. The proposed tests include the study of V̇O2max, running efficiency, maximal steady-state, and body composition. Based on a review of the literature it was determined that V̇O2max, running efficiency, and body composition provide the information about long distance running potential, including specific paces for various events. Maximal steady-state running pace (pace that elicits 2 mmol/ L lactate) identifies appropriate running paces for various events. Relative maximal steady-state oxygen consumption (% V̇O2max) identifies the current level of conditioning. A comparison of maximal steady-state, running efficiency, and body composition by assessing current status with optimums, provide guidelines for appropriate changes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Astrand PO, Rodahl K. Textbook of work physiology, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1977

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin-Martin L. The effect of training intensities on maximal steady state oxygen consumption and maximal oxygen consumption, MA (unpublished), University of Missouri, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Boileau RA, Mayhew JL, Riner WF, Lussier L. Physiological characteristics of elite middle and long distance runners. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences 7: 167–172, 1982

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bransford DR, Howley ET. Oxygen cost of running in trained and untrained men and women. Medicine and Science in Sports 9: 41–44 (1977)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burke E. Validity of selected laboratory and field tests of physical working capacity. Research Quarterly 47: 95–104, 1976

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Caiozzo VJ, Davis JA, Ellis JF, Azus R, Vandacriff CA, et al. A comparison of gas exchange indices used to detect the anaerobic threshold. Journal of Applied Physiology 53: 1184–1189, 1982

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conley DL, Krahenbuhl GS. Running economy and distance running performance of highly trained athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 12: 357–360, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conley DL, Krahenbuhl GS. Running economy and distance running performance of highly trained athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 12: 357–360, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conley DL, Krahenbuhl GS, Burkett LN. Training for aerobic capacity and running economy. The Physician and Sports-medicine 9: 107–146, April, 1981

    Google Scholar 

  • Conley DL, Krahenbuhl GS, Burkett LN, Millar AL. Following Steve Scott: physiological changes accompanying training. The Physician and Sportsmedicine 12: 103–106, 1984

    Google Scholar 

  • Conley DL, Krahenbuhl GS, Burkett LN, Millar AL. Physiological correlates of female road racing performance. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 52: 441–448, 1981

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper KH. A means of assessing maximal oxygen intake. Journal of the American Medical Association 203: 201–204, 1968

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL. A scientific approach to distance running. Track and Field News, Los Altos, California, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL. Metabolic responses during distance running. Journal of Applied Physiology 28: 251–255, 1970

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL. Physiology of marathon running. Journal of the American Medical Association 221: 1024–1029, 1972

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL, Fox EL. Energetics of marathon running. Medicine and Science in Sports 1: 81–86, 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL, Branam G, Eddy D, Sparks K. Determinants of marathon running success. Internationale Zeitschrift für ange-wandte Physiologie einschliesslich Arbeitphysiologie 29: 249–254, 1971

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL, Gollnick PD, Jansson ED, Saltin B, Stein EM. Glycogen depletion pattern in human muscle fibers during distance running. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica 89: 374–383, 1973a

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL, Jansson E, Gollnick PD, Saltin B. Glycogen utilization in leg muscle of men during level and uphill running. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica 91: 475–481, 1974

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costill DL, Thomason H, Roberts E. Fractional utilization of the aerobic capacity during distance running. Medicine and Science in Sports 5: 248–252, 1973b

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daniels JT, Yarbrough RA, Foster C. Changes in V̇O2max and running performance with training. European Journal of Applied Physiology 39: 249–254, 1978

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davies CTM. Effects of wind assistance and resistance on the forward motion of a runner. Journal of Applied Physiology 48: 702–709, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis JA, Frank MH, Whipp BJ, Wasseman K. Anaerobic threshold alterations caused by endurance training in middle-aged men. Journal of Applied Physiology 46: 1039–1046, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis JA, Vodak P, Wilmore JH, Vodak J, Kurtz P. Anaerobic threshold and maximum aerobic power for three modes of exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology 41: 544–550, 1976

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis JA, Caiozzo VJ, Lamarra N, Ellis JF, Vandagriff CA. Does gas exchange anaerobic threshold occur at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 2 or 4 mM? International Journal of Sports Medicine 4: 89–93, 1983

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Denis C, Fouquet R, Poty P, Geyssant A, Lacour JR. Effect of 40 weeks of endurance training on the anaerobic threshold. International Journal of Sports Medicine 3: 208–214, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doolittle RL, Bigbee R. The twelve minute run-walk: a test of cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescent boys. Research Quarterly 39: 491–495, 1968

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Editorial. Outdoor track records — Indoor track records — American road records. Runner’s World Annual, pp. 8–17, 1985

  • Editorial. Rodgers: The right stuff. The Runner, p.46, December, 1980

  • Ekblom B. Effect of physical training on oxygen transport system in man. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica (Suppl. 328): 9–42, 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekblom B, Astrand P-O, Saltin B, Stenberg J, Wallström B. Effect of training on circulatory response to exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology 24: 518–525, 1968

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farrell PA, Wilmore JH, Coyle EF, Billing JE, Costill DL. Plasma lactate accumulation and distance running performance. Medicine and Science in Sports 11: 338–344, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fay LC. Physiological parameters related to distance running performance in female athletes, MA (unpublished), University of Missouri, 1984

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaesser G, Poole D, Gardner B. Dissociation between V̇O2max gas exchange anaerobic threshold and submaximal exercise lactate levels in response to exercise training. International Journal of Sports Medicine 5: 163, 1984

    Google Scholar 

  • Getchell L, Kirkendall D, Robbins G. Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake in young adult women joggers. Research Quarterly 48: 61–67, 1977

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gollnick PD, Hermansen L. Biochemical adaptations to exercise: anaerobic metabolism. In Wilmore JH (Ed.) Anaerobic metabolism. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, Vol. 1, pp. 1–43, Academic Press, New York, 1973

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gutin B, Young JL, Simon J, Blood DL, Dixon GB. Anaerobic threshold as determined by plasma lactate, ventilatory indices, and perceived discomfort. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 12: 124, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagan RD, Strathman, Strathman L, Gettman LR, Oxygen uptake and energy expenditure during horizontal treadmill running. Journal of Applied Physiology 49: 571–575, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hughson RL, Green HJ. Blood acid-base and lactate relationship studied by ramp work tests. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 14: 297–302, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ivy JL, Withers RT, van Handel PJ, Elger DH, Costill DL. Muscle respiratory capacity and fiber type as determinants of lactate threshold. Journal of Applied Physiology 48: 523–527, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs I. Blood lactate: implications for training and sports performance. Sports Medicine 3: 10–25, 1986

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kindermann W, Simon G, Keul J. The significance of the aerobic-anaerobic transition for the determination of work load intensities during endurance training. European Journal of Applied Physiology 42: 25–34, 1979

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kitagawa K, Miyashita M, Yamamoto K. Maximal oxygen uptake, body composition, and running performance in young Japanese adults of both sexes. Japanese Journal of Physical Education 21: 335–340, 1977

    Google Scholar 

  • Krahenbuhl GS, Pangrazi RP, Purkett LN, Schneider MJ, Petersen G. Field estimation of V̇O2max in children eight years of age. Medicine and Science in Sports 9: 37–40, 1977

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumagai S, Tanaka K, Matsuura V, Matsuzaka A, Hirakoba K. Relationships of the anaerobic threshold with the 5km, 10km, and 20 mile races. European Journal of Applied Physiology 49: 13–23, 1982

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LaFontaine TP. The effect of intensity and quantity of exercise training on the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, Ph.D Thesis (unpublished), University of Missouri, 1983

    Google Scholar 

  • LaFontaine TP, Londeree BR, Spath WP. The maximal steady state versus selected running events. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 13: 190–192, 1981

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lehmann M, Berg A, Kapp R, Wessinghage T, Kuel J. Correlations between laboratory testing and distance running performance in marathoners of similar performance ability. International Journal of Sports Medicine 4: 226–230, 1983

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Londeree BR, Ames SA. Maximal steady state versus state of conditioning. Eur. J. of Applied Physiology 34: 1–10, 1975

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maughan RJ, Leiper JB. Aerobic capacity and fractional utilization of aerobic capacity in elite and non-elite male and female marathon runners. European Journal of Applied Physiology 52: 80–87, 1983

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mayhew JL, Andrew J. Assessment of running performance in college males from aerobic capacity percentage utilization coefficients. Journal of Sports Medicine 15: 342–346, 1975

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollock ML. Characteristics of elite class distance runners: overview. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 301: 278–282, 1977a

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollock ML. How much exercise is enough? Physician and Sportsmedicine 6: 50–64, 1978

    Google Scholar 

  • Pollock ML. Submaximal and maximal working capacity of elite distance runners: cardiorespiratory aspect. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 301: 310–322, 1977b

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollock ML. The quantification of endurance training programs In Wilmore JH (Ed.) Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, Vol. 1, pp. 155–158, Academic Press, New York, 1973

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollock ML, Gettman LR, Jackson A, Ayres J, Ward A, Linnerud AC. Body composition of elite class distance runners. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 301: 361–370, 1977

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollock ML, Jackson AS, Pate RR. Discriminant analysis of physiological differences between good and elite runners. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 51: 521–532, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Powers SK, Dodd S, Gardner R. Precision of ventilatory and gas exchange alterations as a predictor of the anaerobic threshold. European Journal of Applied Physiology 52: 173–177, 1984

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Powers SK, Dobb S, Dreason R, Boyd R, McKnight T. Ventilatory threshold, running economy and distance running performance of trained athletes. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 54: 179–182, 1983

    Google Scholar 

  • Ready AE, Quinney HA. Alterations in anaerobic threshold as the result of endurance training and detraining. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 14: 292–296, 1982

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reinhard U, Muller PH, Schnulling RM. Determination of anaerobic threshold by ventilation equivalent in normal individuals. Respiration 38: 36–42, 1979

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes EC, McKenzie DC. Predicting marathon time from anaerobic threshold measurements. The Physician and Sports-medicine 12: 95–98, 1984

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivers MH, Metz KF, Robertson R. Metabolic and performance responses to anaerobic threshold and high intensity training. Medicine and Science in Sports 12: 125, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson T, Sucec AA. The relationship of training intensity and anaerobic threshold to endurance performance. Medicine and Science in Sports 12: 124–125, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Sady S, Katch V, Freedson P, Weltman A. Change in metabolic acidosis: evidence for an intensity threshold. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 20: 41–46, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saltin B, Hartley LH, Kilbom A, Åstrand I. Physical training in sedentary middle-aged and older men. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 24: 323–334, 1969

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaver LG. Maximal aerobic power and anaerobic work capacity prediction from various running performances of untrained college men. Journal of Sports Medicine 15: 147–150, 1975

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sjodin B. The relationships among running economy, aerobic power, muscle power, and onset of blood lactate accumulation in young boys (11–15 years). In Komi PV (Ed.) Exercise and Sport Biology, pp. 57–60, Human Kinetics, Champaign, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjodin B, Jacobs I. Onset of blood lactate accumulation and marathon running performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine 2: 23–26, 1981

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sjodin B, Jacobs I, Svedenhag, J. Changes in the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) and muscle enzymes after training at OBLA. European Journal of Applied Physiology 49: 45–57, 1982

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sjordin B, Linnarson D, Wallensten R, Schele R, Karlsson J. The physiological background of onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). In Komi PV (Ed.) Exercise and Sport Biology, pp. 43–56, Human Kinetics, Champaign, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjodin B, Scheie R. Oxygen cost of treadmill running in long distance runners. In Komi PV (Ed.) Exercise and Sport Biology, pp. 61–66, Human Kinetics, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjodin B, Svedenhag J. Applied physiology of marathon running. Sports Medicine 2: 83–99, 1985

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Svedenhag J, Sjodin B. Maximal and submaximal oxygen uptakes and blood lactate levels in elite male middle- and long-distance runners. International Journal of Sports Medicine 5: 255–261, 1984

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka K, Matsuura Y. Marathon performance, anaerobic threshold, and onset of blood lactate accumulation. Journal of Applied Physiology 57: 640–643, 1984

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka K, Matsuura Y, Matsuzaka A, Hirakoba K, Kumagai S. A longitudinal assessment of anaerobic threshold and distance running performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 16: 278–282, 1984

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka K, Matsuura Y, Kumagai S, Matsuzaka A, Hirakoba K. Relationships of anaerobic threshold and onset of blood lactate accumulation with endurance performance. European Journal of Applied Physiology 52: 51–56, 1983

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vodak P, Wilmore JH. Validity of the 6-minute jog-walk and 600-yard run-walk in estimating endurance capacity in boys, 9–12 years of age. Research Quarterly 46: 230–234, 1975

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman K, VanKessel AL, Burton GG. Interaction of physiological mechanisms during exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology 22: 71–85, 1967

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman K, Whipp BJ. Exercise physiology in health and disease. American Review of Respiratory Diseases 112: 219–249, 1975

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wiley JF, Shaver LG. Prediction of V̇O2max intake from running performances of untrained young men. Research Quarterly 43: 89–93, 1972

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williams CG, Wyndham CH. A physiological basis for the optimum level of energy expenditure. Nature 199: 1210–1212, 1962

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams CG, Wyndham CH, Kok R, VonRanden MJ. Effect of training on maximal oxygen intake and on anaerobic metabolism in man. Internationale Zeitschrift für angewaudte Physiologie einschliesslich Arbeitsphysiologie 24: 18–23, 1967

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshida T, Nagata A, Muro M, Takevchi N, Suda Y. The validity of anaerobic threshold determination by Douglas bag method compared with arterial blood lactate concentration. European Journal of Applied Phsyiology 46: 423–430, 1981

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshida T, Suda Y, Takeuchi N. Endurance training regimen based upon arterial blood lactate: effects on anaerobic threshold. European Journal of Applied Physiology 49: 223–230, 1982

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Missouri, 107 Rothwell Gym, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA

    Ben R. Londeree

Authors
  1. Ben R. Londeree
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Londeree, B.R. The Use of Laboratory Test Results with Long Distance Runners. Sports Medicine 3, 201–213 (1986). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198603030-00004

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198603030-00004

Keywords

Search

Navigation