A Physiological Profile of Four Wheelchair Marathon Racers

In brief A profile of four wheelchair marathon racers (WMRs) is presented including an athletic history, dietary habits, maximal oxygen uptake, and average race pace oxygen uptake (Vo₂) values. These values were compared with those of able-bodied marathon runners matched for age and race time. The WMRs had lower Vo₂ max, maximal heart rates, and higher respiratory exchange ratios, and they used a higher percentage of their Vo₂ max and maximal heart rate at race pace. The authors suggest that a high degree of training is required to perform the grueling marathon.