Key result
Indoor track training yields consistent peak VO2Max versus cross-country in an elite female distance runner.
Why the study?
Canadian university endurance athletes must maintain high physiological readiness across an extended competitive calendar, prompting investigation into seasonal variations in cardiac function and cardiorespiratory performance.
Does seasonal variation between cross-country and indoor track and field seasons affect cardiac function and cardiorespiratory performance in an elite female distance runner?
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does seasonal variation between cross-country and indoor track and field seasons affect cardiac function and cardiorespiratory performance in an elite female distance runner?
Absolute Event Rate: 63.8% vs 65.9%
p-value: p=0.23
In an elite female distance runner, peak cardiorespiratory performance remained stable across competitive seasons, while submaximal cardiac function and running economy varied, likely reflecting shifts in training volume and intensity.
Potential training-phase cardiac shifts in elite runners warrant caution in interpretation; leaves open generalizability and need for prospective studies.
Background: Canadian university endurance athletes compete across an extended competitive calendar, requiring them to achieve and maintain high levels of physiological readiness at multiple points throughout the academic year. Purpose: This case study examined seasonal variation in cardiac function and cardiorespiratory performance in an elite female distance runner who competed in both the cross‑country (XC) and indoor track and field (TF) seasons. Methods: Assessments were conducted following each championship period to evaluate peak and submaximal physiological responses using standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results: Peak cardiorespiratory performance, including VO2Max (mL·kg-1·min-1) and velocity at VO2Max, remained consistent across seasons (XC = 65.9 ‘vs’ TF = 63.8, p = 0.23). Peak stroke volume (mL/beat) was meaningfully higher (MDC95) during TF (TF = 168.0 ‘vs’ XC = 157.8). Max HR (bpm) was significantly reduced during TF (XC = 186 ± 5 ‘vs’ TF =183 ± 3, p < 0.05). Running speed (mph) at ventilatory threshold -2 increased during TF (XC = 9.0 ‘vs’ TF = 9.5). Conclusion: Peak cardiorespiratory performance remained stable across the XC and TF seasons, while running economy and submaximal cardiac function varied considerably. These changes likely reflect seasonal shifts in training volume and intensity tailored to different race demands.
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Andrew S. Perrotta (2025) conducted a case report in Elite female distance runner (n=1). Indoor track and field (TF) season vs. Cross-country (XC) season was evaluated on VO2Max (mL·kg-1·min-1) (p=0.23). Peak cardiorespiratory performance, including VO2Max, remained consistent across the cross-country and indoor track seasons (65.9 vs 63.8 mL·kg-1·min-1, p=0.23) in an elite female distance runner.
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