PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NEUROMUSCULAR INDICES TO DETERMINE PERFORMANCE OF SPRINTERS AND MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNERS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare physiological and neuromuscular indices of runners and predict their performance. Thirteen sprinters (SP) and 11 middle distance runners (MD) performed the following tests: 1) performance in 400 (P400) and 800 m (P800) and lactate peak (LACmax); 2) determination of VO 2max, velocity at VO 2max-vVO 2max and velocity at LAn-vLAn; 3) time limit; 4) maximum accumulated oxygen deficit-MAOD; and 5) counter movement jump (CMJ). The SP showed higher values of MAOD, time of lactate peak, height and velocity at CMJ. VO 2max, vVO 2max and vLAn were higher for MD. It is concluded that SPR develop higher anaerobic capacity, and MD have a higher ?tness aerobic level. The P400 was determined by the association of LACmax, VO 2max and CMJ, while LACmax and vVO 2max explained the P800.