Transcript A 5K Run Handicap Model for Age and Body Weight Paul M.

A 5K Run Handicap Model
for Age and Body Weight
Paul M. Vanderburgh, EdD
Lloyd L. Laubach, PhD, FACSM
Department of Health and Sport Science
University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Abstract
Introduction: The adverse effect of increasing age and/or body weight on
distance run performance has been well documented. Accordingly, nearly
all five kilometer (5K) road races employ age categories and, sometimes, a
heavier body weight classification. Problems include small numbers of
runners within elderly categories and the advantage given to the lightest
runners within each weight category. Purpose: To develop a 5K Handicap
Model (5KH) for men and women based on the known independent
contributions of age and body weight to 5K run performance. Methods:
By combining previously published empirical and theoretical findings, we
developed a 5KH that computes an adjusted run time based on the inputs
of actual run time, age, and body weight. Results: The 5KH provides
more handicapping precision with age and BW than the age-only World
Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA) model and can be adapted to other
race distances. Furthermore, the metabolic penalty for excess weight is
significantly greater than the associated handicap. Conclusion: The 5KH
is the first such model based on the independent effects of age and weight;
overcomes the problems associated with age and weight categories; and
may give older and heavier runners added incentive to compete.
Disadvantages of Age and Body
Weight (BW) Practices
BW: “Clydesdales”
(www.teamclydesdale.com)
Advantage goes to the lightest within each category
Can’t compete against those in other age and BW
categories
Lack of precision
AGE: WAVA Standards
(http://www.howardgrubb.co.uk/athletics/wavalookup.html)
Does not account for BW
Based on world bests – undue influence of very few
competitors at the more elderly level
Distance Running and BW
 VO2max
(l/min)
 Body Weight2/3 (Astrand
’86)
 5K run speed  VO2max/BW
(Nevill ’92)
 Therefore, 5K run time  BW1/3
(Vanderburgh 95, Crowder 96)
Distance Running and Age
 The independent effect of age on
VO2max:
 Males: 0.26 ml/kg.min O2 per yr
 Females: 0.25 ml/kg.min O2 per yr
(Jackson 95, 96)
 5K metabolic equation:
5K run speed = 84.3(VO2max1.01BW-1.03)
(Nevill 92)
 Calculate RT decline due to age
Computation of 5K Handicapadjusted Run Time (RTadj)
BW
DRT  BW1/3
(Nevill 92, Vanderburgh 95, Crowder 96)
Actual Run Time
AGE
VO2max decline due to age
(Jackson 95, 96)
Adjusted Run Time
Results - Women
Women with a 25:00 (1500 sec) 5K Actual Run Time
1600
Adjusted 5K Run Time (sec)
1500
1400
WAVA
1300
5KH 50 Kg Body Weight
5KH 65 kg Body Weight
1200
5KH 80 Kg Body Weight
1100
1000
900
30
35
40
45
50
Age (yr)
55
60
65
70
Results - Men
Men with a 22:00 (1320 sec) 5K Actual Run Time
1350
Adjusted 5K Run Time (sec)
1300
1250
1200
WAVA
1150
5KH 65 kg Body Weight
1100
5KH 80 kg Body Weight
5KH 95 kg Body Weight
1050
1000
950
900
30
35
40
45
50
Age (yr)
55
60
65
70
Examples
Subject
Age
Body Weight (lbs)
Actual 5K Time
Adjusted 5K Time
Men
A
27
149
19:00
18:35
B
43
197
22:35
18:32
C
62
177
25:12
18:23
Women
D
31
120
22:00
20:46
E
49
172
27:00
20:18
F
67
132
27:55
20:45
Summary/Conclusions
 A physiologically defensible age/BW
handicap can be developed
 Lower limits of age and BW are
needed. We are piloting:
 Age: 25 yrs
 BW: 50 and 65 kg for women and men,
respectively
 Could be applied other race distances
References
1.Crowder T & Yunker C. Scaling of push-up, sit-up and two-mile run
performances by body weight and fat-free weight in young, fit men.
[Abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 28:S183, 1996.
2.Jackson A, E Beard, L Weir, R Ross, & S Blair. Changes in aerobic
power of men, ages 25-70 yr. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 27:113-120,
1995.
3.Jackson A, L Weir, G Ayers, E Beard, J Stuteville, & S Blair. Changes
in aerobic power of women, ages 20-64. Med Sci Sports Exerc.
28:884-891, 1996.
4.Nevill A, R Ramsbottom, & C Williams. Scaling physiological
measurements for individuals of different body size. Eur J Appl
Physiol. 65:110-117, 1992.
5.Vanderburgh P & M Mahar. Scaling of 2-mile run times by body
weight and fat-free weight in college-age men. J Strength Cond Res.
9:67-70, 1995.