Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop a coefficient of endurance capability (b), i.e. the ability to sustain a high fractional utilization of VO2max for a prolonged period of time, in young endurance runners of both sexes. b was based on linear reduction of speed with distance covered at this velocity in semilogarithmic scale. The coefficient b was estimated in 30 male young long-distance runners, in 11 female long-distance runners, in 17 male middle-distance runners, and in 14 female middle-distance runners. Mean values of b were in long-distance runners -1.76 +/- 0.12 m/s for male and -1.52 +/- 0.13 for female, in middle-distance runners -2.18 +/- 0.14 in male and -1.94 +/- 0.12 in female. The differences in b between long- and middle-distance runners were significant. b was not related to VO2max and speed of running at ventilatory threshold (VI). However b was closely related to the fractional utilization of VO2max at VT in all cases and in long-distance runners to the best race time. Verf.-Referat