Case Study What’s Under the Hood? Insight into the Cardiac Function and VO2 Max of an Elite University Distance Runner
Insight into an Elite University Distance Runner
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v19i1.873Keywords:
Cardiorespiratory Performance, Cardiovascular Function, Female Athlete, Sport Science, Sport MedicineAbstract
Background: Canadian university endurance athletes compete across an extended competitive calendar, requiring them to achieve and maintain high levels of physiological readiness at multiple points throughout the academic year. Purpose: This case study examined seasonal variation in cardiac function and cardiorespiratory performance in an elite female distance runner who competed in both the cross‑country (XC) and indoor track and field (TF) seasons. Methods: Assessments were conducted following each championship period to evaluate peak and submaximal physiological responses using standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results: Peak cardiorespiratory performance, including VO2Max (mL·kg-1·min-1) and velocity at VO2Max, remained consistent across seasons (XC = 65.9 ‘vs’ TF = 63.8, p = 0.23). Peak stroke volume (mL/beat) was meaningfully higher (MDC95) during TF (TF = 168.0 ‘vs’ XC = 157.8). Max HR (bpm) was significantly reduced during TF (XC = 186 ± 5 ‘vs’ TF =183 ± 3, p < 0.05). Running speed (mph) at ventilatory threshold -2 increased during TF (XC = 9.0 ‘vs’ TF = 9.5). Conclusion: Peak cardiorespiratory performance remained stable across the XC and TF seasons, while running economy and submaximal cardiac function varied considerably. These changes likely reflect seasonal shifts in training volume and intensity tailored to different race demands.
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