Young Females’ Longitudinal Relationship of Endurance Performance - A Partial Regression Analysis

Abstract

Coaches and practitioners strive to use methods based on outcome measurements that are evidence-based to maximize female athlete performance, but due to a lack female representation in exercise science research, this is often problematic. The primary goal was to investigate the correlation between maximal oxygen uptake, blood lactate, and running economy in young females. Secondarily, the objective was to observe the longitudinal association between alterations in maximal oxygen uptake, blood lactate, and running economy responses to six weeks of endurance training. Young female athletes (n = 18) were randomized into a weighted vest (n = 10) or non-weighted vest (n = 8) group. Two separate graded treadmill tests for maximal oxygen uptake, blood lactate, and running economy were performed at baseline and post-six weeks of endurance training, which occurred at a frequency of three times per week for six weeks. A slight positive relationship between baseline- maximal oxygen uptake and running economy, r = 0.33, and a moderate positive relationship between baseline- blood lactate and running economy, r = 0.46, were observed. After controlling body composition, a strong positive relationship between post- maximal oxygen uptake and running economy, r = 0.59, and a strong positive relationship between post- blood lactate and running economy, r = 0.85, were observed. This study shows baseline assessments of previously mentioned performance traits may not be related. A weighted vest is considered a safe and alternative ergogenic aid that can be incorporated into an endurance training program. A six-week endurance training program is sufficient time to induce cardiovascular adaptations and improve endurance performance.