Analysis and relationship between the anthropometric and somatotype characteristics and cardiovascular capacity in amateur mountain runners: a pilot study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometrical and cardiovascular characteristics of short course trail runners and analyze the associations, if any, between both anthropometric and cardiovascular features of amateur trail runners. Material and method: Anthropometrical evaluation and an incremental maximum test with 10% of grade on a treadmill were performed on a group of 10 short distance amateur trail runners. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between the body max index (BMI) and the speed at VT1 (Vel VT1) (r = -0,95, p < 0,001), or the time to reach VT1 (r = -0,91, p = 0,002) and between the body fat percentage and the respiratory exchange ratio at VT2 (r = -0,80, p = 0,016) or the time to reach VT2 (r = -0,83, p = 0,01). Calf circumference was also found to be positively associated with oxygen consumption at VT1 (r = 0,74, p = 0,037), at VT2 (r = 0,90, p = 0,002) and with the maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0,85, p = 0,007). Conclusions: Results indicate that both body fat percentage and calf circumference could be related to the performance on an incremental test protocol with inclination in amateur trail runners.