Anaerobic and Aerobic Energy System Contribution to 400-m Flat and 400-m Hurdles Track Running

Abstract

Zouhal, H, Jabbour, G, Jacob, C, Duvigneau, D, Botcazou, M, Ben Abderrahaman, A, Prioux, J, and Moussa, E. Anaerobic and aerobic energy system contribution to 400-m flat and 400-m hurdles track running. J Strength Cond Res 24(9): 2309-2315, 2010-The present study was designed to determine the aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions to 400-m Flat (400mF) and 400-m hurdles (400mH) using the accumulated oxygen deficit method. Six nationally ranked athletes, specializing in 400mH and familiar with 400mF volunteered to participate in this study. All the participants performed 3 track-running sessions. The first session determine the maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas exchange measurements (o₂₀₀₀, Medical Graphics). The second and third tests consist of a 400mF and a 400mH performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Accumulated oxygen deficit determined during the 400mF was significantly higher than that determined during the 400mH (65.0 ± 10.0 ml·kg⁻¹ vs. 44.1 ± 7.4 ml·kg⁻¹, p < 0.05). Thus, the aerobic contribution calculated was significantly higher during the 400mH compared to during the 400mF (43.0 ± 2.0 vs. 37.4 ± 2.7%, p < 0.05, respectively). These results strongly suggest that the aerobic contribution is greater during a 400mH compared to during a 400mF. Thus, this study provides a scientific rationale behind the coaches' practice and contributes to a better understanding of the differences between 400mF and 400mH. Then, the coaches must propose different training programs for both 400mF and 400mH runners.