[Physiological analysis of running performance: revision of the hyperbolic model]

1 This paper presents a physiological model for the analysis of the "running curve" (i.e. the relationship between running time and power output) (Table I and Fig. 1). This model is derived from the basic hyperbolic model (Eq. 2: Fig. 2 a) modified in order to take into account the slow adjustment of oxygen utilization and of glycolysis at the onset of exercise (Eq. 7) and the progressive reduction of average aerobic power sustained with increasing running time for races lasting longer than 7 min (Eq. 10; Fig. 2 b, 2 d). 2 This model provides a satisfactory smoothing of the running curve from 200 m to marathon. Average errors (in absolute value) between actual and estimated power output are 0.9 +/- 0.2% (+/- SE) and 1.3 +/- 0.4% for male and female world records respectively (Table II). The basic hyperbolic model (Ptc = A/tc + B) provides a satisfactory smoothing of the running curve on comparatively narrow ranges of events (Table III). 3 Estimations of anaerobic energy stores and of VO2 max made for male and female from world records (1,219 J.kg-1 and 76.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; 1,118 J.kg-1 and 67.8 ml.kg-1.min-1 respectively) are in reasonable agreement with expected values in elite runners (Table IV). 4 The model allows the computation of an objective measure of endurance, i.e. the so-called "ability to sustain a high percentage of VO2 max for a long period of time".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)