Determining factors of performance in middle/long distance events in university athletics

Abstract

To verify the relationship between field tests and performance in the 800 meters, 1,500 meters, and 5,000 meters in university athletics, 20 male university athletes were selected to perform the motor tests, which they performed: the vertical jump endurance (VJE) test; a graded exercise test on a treadmill to access the maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max); the Running Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) in addition to the three Times Trials of 800, 1,500 and 5,000 meters, from which the critical power was calculated. It was found positive correlations (p < 0.05) between fatigue index and 800 m, 1,500 m (R² = 0.65), and 5,000 m (R² = 0.20), and between B35M and 1,500 m (R² = 0.72). It was found negative correlations (p < 0.05) between relative V̇O₂max and 800 m (R² = 0.74), 1,500 m (R² = 0.80), and 5,000 m (R² = 0.86), and between critical power and the 5,000 m event (R² = 0.97). VJE did not correlate with the time trials performance (p > 0.05). It was concluded that for this sample the variables that seem to explain the most with the three tests are: fatigue index (800m; 1,500m; 5,000m), V̇O₂max (800m; 1,500m; 5,000m) B35M (1,500m) and critical power (5,000m).