Developing a Predictive Model for VO2MAX in Middle-Distance Track and Field Athletes

Authors

Nicole Vargas, Whittier CollegeFollow
Patricia VanOosbree, Whittier CollegeFollow
Kristyne Wiegand, Whittier CollegeFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Aerobic capacity is an indicator of an athlete’s endurance and a key predictor of performance. The greater the aerobic capacity, the more oxygen available for working muscles, leading to delays in lactate buildup, thus increasing the potential for successful performance. Studies have investigated non-exercise and/or submaximal exercise measures to predict aerobic capacity, but few have analyzed the combination of maximal exercise and non-exercise measures in Division-3 runners. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to determine the predictive ability of heart rate (HR_max), ventilation (VE), respiratory quotient (RQ), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) on VO_2max in middle distance track and field runners. Methods: Eleven Division-3 400- and 800m runners (F:5, M:6, age 18-24) reported to the Human Movement Laboratory twice. HR_max, RQ, and RPE were collected during VO_2max testing using a CosMed treadmill and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET), while VE was obtained through spirometry testing. A multiple regression analysis (⍺=0.05) was used to predict VO_{2 max} from HR_max, VE, RQ, and RPE. Additionally, the pool was split by sex, and correlations were run to assess relationships among variables (⍺=0.05). Results: The multiple regression model statistically significantly predicted VO_2max (p= 0.018, adj. R²= 0.71). Both HR_max (p= 0.004) and VE (p=0.014) added to the statistically significant prediction. Correlation results indicate a positive relationship between HR_max and VO_2max in males (r=0.90, p=0.015) and females (r=0.97, p=0.006). Conclusions: HR_max contributed significantly to the model predicting VO_2max. VE also proved to be a significant contributor to the prediction of VO_{2 max}. These results suggest that increasing VE through breathing training may positively influence VO_2max and performance in middle-distance runners. Future studies should formulate breathing exercises that work the respiratory muscles and test the effectiveness of breathing training in improving aerobic capacity in athletes.

Recommended Citation

Vargas, Nicole; VanOosbree, Patricia; and Wiegand, Kristyne (2021) "Developing a Predictive Model for VO2MAX in Middle-Distance Track and Field Athletes," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 107.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss1/107