Longitudinal changes in distance-running performance of young males

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Pediatric Sports Science
• Human Growth and Development

Background:

• Adolescent males show improved aerobic power and running performance with age.
• Previous studies confounded effects of growth and training on performance.
• The role of running training versus natural development in performance enhancement remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally assess changes in maximal aerobic power (VO2max), running economy (RE), and distance-running performance.
• To investigate these changes in adolescent males who did not engage in running training.
• To differentiate the impact of maturation from training on running capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study design with six male subjects.
• Testing conducted at mean ages of 9.9 years (T1) and 16.8 years (T2).
• Measurements included relative VO2max, running economy, and 9-min run distance.

Main Results:

• Relative VO2max remained stable (48.9 vs. 47.8 ml.kg-1.min-1) over the 7-year period.
• Running economy significantly improved (234.2 vs. 202.8 ml.kg-1.km-1).
• 9-min run distance increased (1637 vs. 2115 m), with higher %VO2max utilized during the run.

Conclusions:

• Improved distance-running performance in adolescent boys is not solely dependent on running training.
• Enhanced running economy and increased capacity to perform at higher relative workloads contribute to performance gains.
• Maturation, rather than training, appears to be the primary driver of improved running performance in this age group.