Author(s): RIESTENPATT, S., RAPPELT, L., DONATH, L., Institution: GERMAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY COLOGNE, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 2089

INTRODUCTION:
400-m sprinting relies on predominantly anaerobic metabolism. The aerobic contribution is estimated to 40% of the total energy contribution [1]. The concept of the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) integratively considers aerobic and anaerobic properties, defined as the velocity difference between maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS). The corresponding Speed Reserve Ratio (SRR) was initially introduced to determine 800-m elite athletes’ performance profiles and types [2]. In this regard, profiling of 400-m athletes considering their relationship to personal best (PB) are missing. We aimed at investigating the contribution of endurance and speed capabilities of 400-m elite sprinters to their PB in order to improve sprint diagnostics and training programming.
METHODS:
The ASR of 18 sprinters (elite female, n=7, 23±2 years, 400-m-PB: 53.0±1.3s; elite male, n=5, 23±3 years, 400-m PB: 46.7±1.0s; highly-trained female, n=6, 20±3 years, 400-m-PB: 57.6±2.5s) was assessed. Using a laser velocity guard (LAVEG), MSS was determined as instantaneous velocity during a 60-m all-out sprint. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and velocity at VO2max (MAS) was determined through ramp test on a treadmill. Additionally, fixed lactate threshold at 4-mmol/L blood lactate (vL4) was determined in the laboratory using an incremental step test. Profiles of three athlete subgroups were created. The SRR (MSS/MAS) was calculated according to Sandford and colleagues [1].
RESULTS:
Strong statistically significant negative correlations with PB were found for maximal sprinting speed (r = -0.96, p < 0.001) and maximal aerobic speed (r = -0.74, p < 0.001). Moderate statistically significant negative correlation with PB was found for vL4 (r = -0.60, p = 0.008) but not for VO2max (r = -0.46, p = 0.053). Using a multiple linear regression, a model was created to generate the following prediction (R2 = 0.96, Residual standard error = 0.97):
PB [s] = 113.6815 -5.1122MSS [m/s] - 2.6023MAS [m/s] + ε
A very low variance inflation factor of 1.61 indicates a low risk of multicollinearity. The standardized beta weights for MSS and MAS are -0.80 and -0.27, respectively. Adding vL4 and/or VO2max to this initial model did not increase model fit (Likelikood ratio test: p ≥ 0.412). Subgroups of 400-m sprinter types were defined by SRR: 200-400 m ≥ 1.75, 400 m ≤ 1.74 to ≥ 1.66, 400-800 m ≤ 1.65.
CONCLUSION:
Sprinting Speed is the best predictor of 400-m performance. MAS should be used rather than VO2max alone as MAS has a better negative relationship to 400-m PBs. Calculating SRR can be useful for identifying an athlete’s 400-m profile, potentially facilitating individualized training prescriptions. Future research is needed to test individualized training prescriptions based on ASR diagnostics. Training programs for aerobic speed improvements that do not impair sprinting speed are crucial.
[1] Spencer & Gastin (2001) Med Sci Sports Exerc
[2] Sandford et al. (2019) Int J Sports Physiol Perform