Using High Resolution Accelerometers In Addition To Laboratory Measures Strongly Predicts 10k Running Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine if high-resolution accelerometers (HRA) can be used with other laboratory measures (VO2 and lactate threshold) to predict performance in collegiate cross country runners. All subjects consented to procedures approved by EMU CHHS human subjects review committee. 7 NCAA Division 1 cross country runners (21.7 + or - 1.4 yr, 67.8 + or - 6.4 kg, 177.8 + or - 5.1 cm, 67.4 + or - 4.7 ml/kg/min) completed 3,000m and 10,000m performance trials (3kTT and 10kTT), and 1 incremental trial on a treadmill, which included wearing an HRA (Microstrain, VT) superficial to the L3 vertebra at the approximate center of mass. Relationships between measured variables and 3kTT are presented elsewhere. Mean 3kTT and 10kTT times were 8.69 + or - 0.15 and 31.5 + or - 1.17 min, respectively. Linear stepwise regressions including LTP, 3kTT and other laboratory measures (VO sub(2), VO sub(2max)) did not significantly improve relationships with 10kTT over LTP alone.