Case Study Of An Elite Runner With Cerebral Palsy

Running performance is widely understood in terms of the Joyner Model (VO sub(2)max, ability to sustain a high percentage of VO sub(2)max, running economy). An interesting test of this model is to evaluate runners where one element of the model is systematically abnormal. PURPOSE: We report the case of an elite runner (1996 & 2000 Paralympics in 800m, 1500m, 5000m; silver medal in 1500m in 2000) with cerebral palsy (T37 class). METHODS: He was studied 11 years after his Olympic medal, although he still trained systematically, and at his racing weight. Incremental and steady state treadmill runs were completed to define VO sub(2)max, VT & RCT ,the oxygen cost of running and the blood lactate accumulation. Simulated competitions were organized to characterize his present running ability, compared to 1999-2000. RESULTS: VO sub(2)max=64.2, VO sub(2)VT=52.8 & VO sub(2RCT)=60.8 ml*kg super(-1). His vMax=4.58, vVT=3.58, vRCT=4.25, v4mmol=3.39 & vVO sub(2)max=4.33 m*s super(-1). His cost of running (1% grade) was 257 vs 228, 211 & 188 ml*kg super(-1)*km super(-1) vs ACSM norms, elite Europeans and elite East Africans, respectively. His best contemporary 1500m=296s vs his PR=269s (5.07 vs 5.58 m*s-1, representing 71.1 vs 77.2 of world leading performance). His contemporary race was run at 111% vVO sub(2)max, requiring an estimated 115% VO sub(2)max. CONCLUSIONS: This case study of an elite runner with CP demonstrates that performance differences relative to able bodied individuals are largely attributable to an increased cost of running.