Question

What discrepancies would likely be observed in, maximal voluntary contraction, isometric fatigue, and recovery rates between a Power lifter and a Marathon runner? Why?

Answer 1

Distance running performance is the consequence of a complex interaction of physiological, biomechanical, psychological, environmental, and tactical factors. From a physiological perspective, the classic model [1, 2] identifies three main parameters that largely influence performance: maximal oxygen uptake ([Math Processing Error]), running economy (RE), and fractional utilization (sustainable percentage of [Math Processing Error]). Collectively, these determinants are capable of predicting 16 km performance with more than 95% accuracy in well-trained runners [3]. The velocity associated with [Math Processing Error] ([Math Processing Error]) also provides a composite measure of [Math Processing Error] and RE, and has been used to explain differences in performance amongst trained distance runners [3, 4]. Whilst [Math Processing Error] values differ little in homogenous groups of distance runners, RE displays a high degree of interindividual variability [5, 6]. Defined as the oxygen or energy cost of sustaining a given sub-maximal running velocity, RE is underpinned by a variety of anthropometric, physiological, biomechanical, and neuromuscular factors [7]. Traditionally, chronic periods of running training have been used to enhance RE [8, 9]; however, novel approaches such as strength training (ST) modalities have also been shown to elicit improvements [10].

For middle-distance (800–3000 m) runners, cardiovascular-related parameters associated with aerobic energy production can explain a large proportion of the variance in performance [11–17]. However a large contribution is also derived from anaerobic sources of energy [14, 18]. Anaerobic capabilities can explain differences in physiological profiles between middle- and longer-distance runners [14] and are more sensitive to discriminating performance in groups of elite middle-distance runners than traditional aerobic parameters [19]. Anaerobic capacity and event-specific muscular power factors, such as v[Math Processing Error] and the velocity achieved during a maximal anaerobic running test (vMART) have also been proposed as limiting factors for distance runners [12, 20, 21]. For an 800-m runner in particular, near-maximal velocities of running are reached during the first 200 m of the race [22], which necessitate a high capacity of the neuromuscular and anaerobic system.