Peak running velocity predicts 5-km running performance in untrained men and women / La velocidad máxima predice el rendimiento en la prueba de 5 km en hombres y mujeres no entrenados

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between 5-km running performance and peak running velocity (Vpeak) in untrained men and women and propose sex-specific equations for performance prediction based on Vpeak. METHODS: Fifty young and untrained participants (20 female and 30 male) aged between 20 and 35 years participated in this study. Firstly, they performed a continuous incremental test on treadmill to determine Vpeak; the second test was a 5-km running performance performed in 400 m outdoor track. Vpeak test started with a velocity of 8 km/h-1 and increased by 1 km/h-1 between each successive 3-minute stage until participants reached volitional exhaustion. The 5-km time trial running performance for each participant were recorded and registered by the evaluator to determine the test duration (t5km). The comparisons between female and male were performed using Student ́s t test for independent samples; the relationship between Vpeak and 5km running performance was examined using Pearson correlation coefficient (r), adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) and standard error of estimate (SEE). Simple linear regression analyses were used to generate predictive equations for t5km from Vpeak. RESULTS: The Vpeak and 5-km performance (t5km and MV5km) were significant higher for the male group compared to the female group (P < 0.001). In addition, both female and male presented high correlations values for the association between Vpeak and t5km. CONCLUSION: Vpeak is a good predictor of 5-km endurance running performance in untrained men and women. In practical application, Vpeak could be used to prescribe and control running training in beginners in running practice