Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:26
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Longitudinal changes in distance-running performance of young males
G S Krahenbuhl1, D W Morgan, R P Pangrazi
1Exercise and Sport Research Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Adolescent boys improved running performance without training, showing enhanced running economy and higher intensity efforts. Maximal aerobic power remained stable, indicating growth and improved efficiency drive performance gains.
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.
Related Concept Videos
02:20Longitudinal Research
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:26Longitudinal Studies
Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...