Energy system contribution to 400-metre and 800-metre track running

Authors: Duffield Rob; Dawson Brian; Goodman Carmel

Source: Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 23, Number 2, March 2005 , pp. 299-307(9)

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Abstract:

As a wide range of values has been reported for the relative energetics of 400-m and 800-m track running events, this study aimed to quantify the respective aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions to these events during track running. Sixteen trained 400-m (11 males, 5 females) and 11 trained 800-m (9 males, 2 females) athletes participated in this study. The participants performed (on separate days) a laboratory graded exercsie test and multiple race time-trials. The relative energy system contribution was calculated by multiple methods based upon measures of race V·iO 2 , accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD), blood lactate and estimated phosphocreatine degradation (lactate/PCr). The aerobic/anaerobic energy system contribution (AOD method) to the 400-m event was calculated as 41/59% (male) and 45/55% (female). For the 800-m event, an increased aerobic involvement was noted with a 60/40% (male) and 70/30% (female) respective contribution. Significant ( P < 0.05) negative correlations were noted between race performance and anaerobic energy system involvement (lactate/PCr) for the male 800-m and female 400-m events ( r = - 0.77 and - 0.87 respectively). These track running data compare well with previous estimates of the relative energy system contributions to the 400-m and 800-m events. Additionally, the relative importance and speed of interaction of the respective metabolic pathways has implications to training for these events.

Keywords: Accumulated oxygen deficit; anaerobic energy system measurement; athletes; middle-distance running; sprint running

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640410410001730043

Affiliations: 1: School of Human Movement and Exercise Science University of Western Australia Crawley Australia

Publication date: 2005-03-01

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