Effects of 4-week Training Using Laboratory Index on Competition Record of Elite Female Middle-distance Runner: A Case Report

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a 4-week training using a laboratory index on the competition record of elite female middle-distance runners.METHODS: A female, middle-distance, trained runner with the following characteristics: age, 20 years; height, 168.7 cm; weight, 64.3 kg; 27.2% fat; and VO₂max, 56.4 VO₂ mL/kg/min; volunteered to participate in this study. Before the training program, the participant took part in a 1,500-m track and field national event in April and the onset of blood lactate threshold was analyzed using (OBVA/ vOBLA), VO₂max/vVO₂max, and tVO₂max tests. After completing the 4-week training program, the participant again took part in the 1,500-m track and field national event in May and her parameters were reassessed using the OBVA/vOBLA, VO₂max/vVO₂max, and tVO₂max tests.RESULTS: Pre- and post-training indicate that vVO₂max did not improve; however, tVO₂max (206 seconds pre-training vs. 251.51 seconds post-training) and VO₂max (56.4 vs. 59.3 VO₂ mL/kg/min)significantly. However, this improvement in relative VO₂ was due to weight loss, and the absolute value of VO₂ (3.63 vs. 3.62 L/min) did not change. The 1,500-m race record in track and field events decreased significantly from a pre-training value of 5 minutes 03 seconds to a post-training value of 4 minutes 52 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that utilizing laboratory indicators including vOBLA, vVO₂max, and tVO₂max may be extremely valuable when prescribing training programs for middle-distance runners.