Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

M. Thomas Woodall

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a walk or jog recovery on two-minute run performances and the concentrations of blood lactate.

Eight highly trained male subjects were selected from the Eastern Illinois University Track Team. The test procedure consisted of two, maximal two-minute runs on the track for distance, separated by a 30-minute recovery. The recovery consisted of a walk at 20-minutes per mile pace or a jog at 7½ to 8 minutes per mile pace. Venous blood samples were drawn three minutes after the first run, two minutes prior to the second run, and three minutes after the second run. The same procedure was followed on the two test days, but the recovery method was alternated for each subject. The collected blood samples were later analyzed by the enzymatic process for lactate concentration.

The t-test was implemented to test significant differences between lactate levels and also between the distances run. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients were used to test the relationship between lactate levels and performance values. Lactic acid concentrations and performances of middle-distance and distance groups were compared.

The findings indicated that the difference in the blood lactate levels and the two-minute run performances were not statistically significant with either the walk or jog recovery. However, the enhanced performances and reduced lactate levels following the jog recovery are noteworthy to the competitor or coach. No significant differences were determined between the middle-distance and distance groups engaged in this study.

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