[Energy requirements in women during running on a treadmill and running over terrain]

Running is the most frequently used training method of promoting aerobic efficiency, functional capacity and fitness as well as weight reduction. The energy demand on running expressed indirectly in terms of oxygen consumption correlated with 1 kg body weight (VO2.kg-1) can be established on the basis of the running speed (v) using different nomograms and graphs. These relations are linear within the range of submaximum exertion of training intensity, approximately within the range of 20-90% of maximum oxygen consumption. The relationship between VO2.kg-1 and the running speed generally depends on the sex, age, amount of training practice and on the inherent speed capabilities. Based on the measurements of women of different training practice and age, supplemented with data drawn from literature, the authors established an "average" relationship, independent of age, record of training practice and the speed norm valid for the running carpet in the form of VO2.kg-1 = 2.804. v (km.h-1) + 8.922. The error in determining VO2.kg-1 within the range of the speed of 8-18 km.h-1 is approximately 8% or less. Similarly, using nomograms which facilitate the transfer of the running speed on the running carpet to the outdoor speed, the authors found a general equation for a flat terrain in the form of VO2.kg-1 = 3.359. v + 3.308 which can be used for the speed range of 8-16 km.h-1 with the same error as the one obtained indoors. The above relations can be used for estimating the reactions of the organism to indoor or outdoor exertion with the aim of establishing suitable training exertion intensity.