Physiologic Characteristics and Team Performance of Female High School Runners

This study compared team performances of adolescent female cross-country runners in relation to maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O₂ max), ventilatory threshold, and running economy (RE). Twenty female runners (M age = 16.0 yrs) from four high school teams that competed in the Massachusetts All-State Cross-Country Championship Meet underwent maximal treadmill testing. When physiologic parameters were grouped by team, significant differences were observed for only V̇O₂ max and percent V̇O₂ at a 215 m • min^-1 pace. The mean VO₂ max for Team 1 (the All-State Meet champions) was found to be significantly higher than that of Teams 3 and 4 (70.7 ± 4 vs. 56.5±4, and 58.6 ± 4 ml • kg^-1 • min^-1, respectively). When running on the treadmill at a 215 m • min^-1 pace, members of Team 1 were working at a significandy lower percent of VO₂ max than Team 3 (70 ± 3 vs. 84 ± 4). The estimated physiologic requirements for running the All-State Meet based upon data derived from physiologic testing were not statistically different between teams (p>0.05). In conclusion, most of the physiologic variables investigated were not sensitive enough to separate out performance differences between top high school cross-country teams. Of these variables, VO₂ max is suggested to be the primary physiologic determinant for team success for this age group of female runners.