Determination of physiological data from a mathematical analysis of the running performance of elite female athletes

J Sports Sci. 1995 Aug;13(4):321-8. doi: 10.1080/02640419508732246.

Abstract

A method of analysis developed and applied to male athletes is used to determine physiological data for female athletes. The analytical method rests on the construction of an energy balance incorporating a mathematical representation of each of the major terms in the balance. By recasting the energy balance, a relationship between race distance and running time is derived. Excellent agreement with results for female athletes from recent Olympic Games for distances from 100 to 10,000 m is established. From the analysis, representative values of the maximum anaerobic power, the maximum aerobic power and the rate of degradation of mechanical energy into heat are derived for elite female athletes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mathematics
  • Models, Biological*
  • Running / physiology*