Moderate-domain pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics and endurance running performance

The aims of this study were to determine if the primary time constant (tau) for oxygen uptake (VO2) at the onset of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise is related to endurance running performance, and to establish if tau could be considered a determinant of endurance running performance. Thirty-six endurance trained male runners performed a series of laboratory tests, on separate days, to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the ventilatory threshold (VT) and running economy. In addition, runners completed six transitions from walking (4 km x h-1) to moderate-intensity running (80% VT) for the determination of the VO2 primary time constant and mean response time. During all tests, pulmonary gas-exchange was measured breath-by-breath. Endurance running performance was determined using a treadmill 5-km time-trial, after which runners were considered as combined performers (n=36) and, using a ranking system, high performers (n=10) and low performers (n=10). Relationships between tau and endurance running performance were quantified using correlation coefficients (r). Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the primary predictor variables of endurance running performance in combined performers. Moderate correlations were observed between tau, mean response time and endurance running performance, but only for the combined performers (r=-0.55, P=0.001 and r=-0.50, P=0.002, respectively). The regression model for predicting 5-km performance did not include tau or mean response time. The velocity at VO2max was strongly correlated to endurance running performance in all groups (r=0.72 - 0.84, P < 0.01) and contributed substantially to the prediction of performance. In conclusion, the results suggest that despite their role in determining the oxygen deficit and having a moderate relationship with endurance running performance, neither tau nor mean response time is a primary determinant of endurance running performance.