european college of sport science

OP-ST08 Sports 8
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the power of uphill running economy parameters in predicting mountain running
performance.
Methods: Nineteen trained endurance runners (mean±SD) (age, 38.8±6.1 years, VO2max, 50.16±6.9, ml.kgr-1.min-1) were tested using
open circuit spirometry 7-14 days before participating a mountain race (12km 5% mean inclination). Uphill running economy (URE, ml.kgr-
1.min-1) was determined during 6min run at 8 km.h-1 speed and 10% inclination. The speed decrements due to inclination (SDI, km.h-
1.1%-1 inclination) was also estimated (SDI=[(level speed which corresponds at 10%, 8km.h-1 VO2)-8]/10).
Results: The subjects averaged 71.1±10minutes on the 12km mountain race, 0.62±0.1 km.h-1.1%-1 SDI, 46.2±3.2 ml.kgr-1.min-1 URE and
92.9±7.1 %VO2max at 10%, 8km.h-1. The relationship between URE and performance was r=-0.41 (p>0.05) and the relationship between
SDI and %VO2max at 10%, 8km.h-1 with performance was r=0.644 and r=-0.647 (p