Abstract

Characteristics of oxygen transport system during submaximal treadmill run were investigated in 14 elite male marathon runners. Their best times as of December 31, 1985 were between 2 hr min 55 sec and 2 hr 23 min 39 sec. Measured parameters (heart rate, respiratory frequency, ventilatory volume, tidal volume, oxygen consumption, rate of oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse) were compared between three groups separated according to their best times. Treadmill speed during 16 minutes were gradually (step-wise) increased from 160 m/min to 300 m/min at a constant slope (3 degrees). Evaluation of heart rates was significantly less in the subjects with better performance than other two groups. Greater oxygen pulse was maintained throughout the test in these subjects and it was lowest in the group with poor performance. However, no difference between three groups was observed in other parameters. Correlation coefficients between respiratory volume and oxygen pulse were statistically significant in all groups as well as respiratory volume vs. oxygen pulse at a given respiratory volume tended to be greater in the group with better performance relative to other groups. A significant correlation was found between oxygen consumption and oxygen pulse or between physical performance and oxygen pulse. Its was suggested that the greater the efficiency in oxygen transport system the better the performance in marathon run as was shown by oxygen pulse. Verf.-Referat