THE COMPARISON BETWEEN RPE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AS A PREDICTOR OF 5000m ENDURANCE RUNNING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare weather the perceptual or physiological determinants of endurance running performance is better predictor in an elite and active individual.  

Methods: Eleven long distance male runners were recruited to take part in the study. Each participant completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to identify V̇O2max and maximal minute power output, a submaximal test to assess lactate threshold and running economy, a fixed power output equivalent to 75% V̇O2max the slope of the increase in perception of effort over time, termed ‘perceptual efficiency, and a 5000m running performance. Pearson bivariate 2-tailed correlation tests were used to determine correlations between variables, and single linear regression tests were performed to determine standard error of the estimate (SEE), and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: The best predictor of laboratory 5000m running performance were RPE slope (r = 0.86, p < 0.01 SEE= 15.3%). Standard error of the estimate was 16.0 %, and the V̇O2max was also strongly correlated with running performance (r = 0.84, p < 0.01; SEE = 18.5%). Finally, the Blood lactate at 2 mM.L^-1 (W) (r = 0.63, p < 0.05, SEE = 33.42%). However, blood lactate at 4 mM.L^-1 (W) (r = 0.51, p ˃ 0.05, SEE = 39.42%), and also Running Economy at speed 10km V̇O2 (ml.kg^-1.min^-1) (r = 0.32, p ˃ 0.05, SEE = 38.06%) were not correlate with 5000m running performance.

Discussion: The results showed that RPE and V̇O2max were the strongest predictors of laboratory 5000m running performance. Even though other measures of participant mass, running performance at a blood lactate of 2mmol/L were significantly related to 5000m running performance, linear regression analysis identified that the best predictor of 5000m running performance were RPE and V̇O2max.