The effect of different first 200-m pacing strategies on blood lactate and biomechanical parameters of the 400-m sprint

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three pacing strategies upon performance of the 400-m sprint. Eight healthy male physical education students participated in this study. Each participant performed a 200-m maximal test (200(MAX)) and three 400-m running tests in a random counterbalanced design. The 400-m tests were run with the first 200-m pace set at 98% (400(98%)), 95% (400(95%)), and 93% (400(93%)), respectively, of the effort for 200(MAX). The stimulation of the lactate system was assessed by post-test blood lactate concentration (BLa). Running speed (RS) was controlled with time-keeping devices. Stride frequency (SF), stride length (SL) and lower extremity kinematics were acquired with video cameras operating at 100 fps at the 125 and 380-m marks of the tests. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to identify modifications caused by the pacing strategies used. Non-significant differences were revealed for BLa. The fastest 400-m race was run in 400(93%), but performance was not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the examined pacing strategies. RS, SF and SL had significantly (p < 0.05) lower values in the 380-m mark when compared with the 125-m mark. In 400(98%), both SF and SL decreased by approximately 13%, while SF and SL dropped 2.4 and 9.2%, respectively, in 400(93%). In conclusion, lower peak BLa and less unfavorable modifications of running mechanics were recorded in 400(93%), where time differential between the halves of the 400-m race was smaller, which eventually resulted in better performance.

Blood lactate removal after a rowing all-out test depends on the active protocol proposed

“…During competition, its aerobic component can reach values close to 70%, which generates elevated energy costs [1,2]. This increases the blood lactate concentration ([Lac]) comparing to other sports, such as athletics [3], skiing [4], cycling [5], and swimming [6]. In fact, blood [Lac] concentration up to 20 mmol.L −1 has been registered in rowers [2].…”

Pacing Ability in Elite Runners with Intellectual Impairment

“…Previous research has addressed the complexity of pacing (1,18,26), and this important skill has been associated with a combination of interoceptive (i.e., physiological, psychological and/or biomechanical) and exteroceptive (i.e., environmental) factors (25). There is growing consensus in the literature about pacing being linked to the brain (1,6,9,10,21,22,23,25,26,28,31,32). Factors related to intellectual capacity, such as using previous experiences, knowledge of future physiological requirements, understanding of selfphysiology, perceived exertion, deductive reasoning and interactions with external factors all influence this process.…”

Pacing Profiles in Competitive Track Races: Regulation of Exercise Intensity Is Related to Cognitive Ability

“…To understand how exercisers regulate their exercise capacity, and to identify the role cognition plays in optimal self-regulation, the study of pacing in athletes with intellectual impairments could be an interesting design. Although pacing is commonly accepted as an important cognitive determinant in running (St Clair Gibson et al, 2006; Tucker et al, 2006; Abbiss and Laursen, 2008; Hanon et al, 2008; Tucker, 2009; De Koning et al, 2011; Hanon and Thomas, 2011; Saraslanidis et al, 2011; Thiel et al, 2012; Reardon, 2013; Renfree et al, 2014; Smits et al, 2014) only one study has investigated pacing in individuals with intellectual impairment. Micklewright et al (2012) demonstrated an explicit link between pacing and cognitive development by looking into pacing behavior of school children in different stages of cognitive development.…”