VO2 MAX ON POWER

The effect of VO2 max on runner power

Ryan Schleicher
Ocean Lakes High School
January 19, 2016

Author Note
Research conducted by Ryan Schleicher, Math and Science Academy, Ocean Lakes High
School.
This project was conducted as a part of the Math and Science Academy Senior Research
Project. Special thanks to Mrs. Allison Graves for serving as advisor and editor for this paper.
Special thanks to Mrs. Babette Shoemaker for providing input on experimental design and
procedures. Special thanks to Mr. Jeremy Schratweiser for serving as research adviser and
expert scientist.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Ryan Schleicher, Ocean
Lakes High School, 885 Schumann Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Email: ryanstroop62@gmail.com

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Abstract
This experiment examined the relationship between the maximum volume of oxygen a runner
can use (VO2 max) and the power that runner produces during a race. It also tested the
effectiveness of a power formula developed by the researcher and the ability of runners power
values to predict race outcomes. The hypothesis stated that if VO2 max and power were assessed
and used to analyze a race, then power and VO2 max would exhibit a relationship and correlate
to race performance in the groups tested. The null hypothesis stated that no relationship exists
between VO2 max and power, and there is no correlation to performance within the sample
groups. The researcher conducted this experiment using race footage along with height, weight,
and inseam to calculate both values. The researcher then used his formula and the Daniels and
Gilbert formula to calculate power and VO2 max, respectively. The races that were analyzed
were all 1500 meter races run at the professional level. The fastest runner in the sample group
ran the 1500 in 214.4 seconds, yielding a power value of 0.154 horsepower and a VO2 max value
of 79.8. This power value and those of the winners of each race examined ranged from 0.143 to
0.194, and all fell within two standard deviations of the mean of the data. VO2 max exhibited a
correlation to the race performance because the Daniels-Gilbert formula calculates VO2 max
using race time. The power and VO2 max values showed no relationship in any of the analyses.
These results rejected the hypothesis and failed to reject the null hypothesis, and indicated the
need for further research and experimentation using the power formula.

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Introduction
Many different factors play a role in determining the level and speed at which an
endurance runner can compete. These factors range from biomechanical factors such as
flexibility and the amount of elastic energy that can be stored in the muscles to the training that
the athlete undertakes and the environment in which he or she works. These factors together
make up a running economy (RE), defined by Saunders et al. as the energy required by the body
to run at a given speed (2004).
One of the key components used to determine an athletes running economy is the
amount of oxygen he or she consumes at a certain speed, abbreviated VO2. Every individual has
a maximum volume of oxygen that he or she can take in and use, and this ceiling is known
among exercise physiologists and coaches as VO2 max. The higher a runners VO2 max, the
longer that runner will be able to aerobically metabolize energy. The aerobic metabolic process
provides significantly more energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) than the
anaerobic process, which indicates a probable relationship between a runners VO2 max and his
or her race times. This relationship is widely accepted in the field of exercise physiology;
however, VO2 max ceases to be a reliable indicator of performance at elite levels due to the
similarities between the athletes VO2 max values. It can be used as an indicator of performance
in pre-elite levels of running, though, where the VO2 max numbers for the athletes are more
spread out and can vary widely on an individual basis. Several methods exist for determining
VO2 max, but many involve complex lab equipment and extensive testing. An empirical
equation (an equation derived using statistical trends in data) that can determine VO2 max was
developed by Daniels and Gilbert in 1979. This formula can provide some insight into how a

VO2 MAX ON POWER

runner will perform, but at the professional level (or any level at which the VO2 max values of
the athletes will not vary greatly) it will cease to accurately predict race outcomes.
In a 1977 study, J. L. Mayhew examined the relationship between the oxygen cost and
energy expenditure at different speeds of running. All of the testing was done in a controlled
environment on a treadmill, and the subjects of the tests were trained male runners with a mean
age of about 26 years old. The results of the testing demonstrated a linear relationship between
running velocity (measured in meters per minute) and amount of oxygen consumed (measured in
milliliters per kilogram per minute). Furthermore, the relationship between running velocity
(m/min) and energy cost (measured in kilocalories per kilogram per minute) also appeared linear.
These relationships both confirm the logical assumption that running at greater speeds requires
more energy. It also supports the belief that runners who can take in and use oxygen the most
efficiently at a given speed will be the highest performing athletes.
According to Noakes in his Lore of Running (2001), initial studies of the respiratory
system during running were performed by Hill and Lupton during 1923 (p. 25). Studies that
followed Hill and Luptons made assumptions based off of the findings and led to the conclusion
that VO2 max alone determines an athletes maximum capacity of performance (Noakes, 2001).
Bassett and Howley (2000) examined the different factors affecting the maximum volume of
oxygen that an athlete can intake. They examined several physiological factors thought to
increase VO2 max, including the amount of blood that an athletes heart can circulate with each
pump (maximum cardiac output), the amount of oxygen that blood cells can carry (oxygen
carrying capacity), and the density of capillaries in the muscles needed to perform work while
running. In their findings, they wrote that the factors that determine the maximum oxygen

VO2 MAX ON POWER

uptake vary based on the model, but came to the consensus that it is influenced by both the
mitochondria count and the ability of the body to efficiently transport oxygen to the muscles.
Maximizing oxygen uptake (VO2 max) could be key to improving athletic performance,
but other recent studies (Noakes, 2000; Saunders et al., 2004; Guglielmo et al, 2005; Joyner and
Coyle, 2008) have found that there are several additional factors that contribute to and determine
running performance. VO2 max has continued to be a very prevalent and important factor in
determining athletic performance; however, due to the recent studies, exercise physiologists are
now including other factors in their predictions. Joyner and Coyle (2008) state that three main
factors maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), the so-called lactate threshold, and
efficiencyappear to play key roles in endurance performance (p. 35). Saunders et al. (2004)
also include that the velocity associated with attainment of VO2 maxand the velocity at the
onset of blood lactate accumulation are good indicators of distance running performance (p.
466). The researchers furthermore indicate that running economy more accurately predicts elite
athlete performance than VO2 max does due to the low variance in VO2 max values (Saunders et
al., 2004).
The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of an independently
developed equation, which estimates a runners power (measured in horsepower) during a given
race, as a means of predicting race outcomes. The research will focus mainly on the
effectiveness of this formula at predicting professional race outcomes. The horsepower values
will be calculated using the formula and measurements of the runners inseam and stride length
obtained using footage, and images. These calculated horsepower values will then be compared
to the VO2 max values obtained using the Daniels and Gilbert equation. Next, both will be
compared to the actual results of the race being examined. Effectiveness will be based on any

VO2 MAX ON POWER

relationship, linear or otherwise, that may appear in the numerical analysis. The power equation
is expected to directly correlate to the race outcome, and perform better than the Daniels
Gilbert equation as a predictor of athlete performance.
Methods
Determining the Power Equation:
The equation started as the standard formula for finding power: power equals work over
time.
=

Power is represented as P, work as w, and t as time. Work equals a force times a

distance, but the key to the equation was determining what work is done by a runner during a
race. Assuming that the runners center of gravity follows a sinusoidal path as he runs, the work
being done is the muscles in the legs pushing the runners center of gravity up on each step. The
force is equal to the runners mass, and the distance is however far the center of gravity moves
up from where it would normally be if the runner is standing still.
=
W is work, m is the runners mass, and x is the distance that the runners center of gravity
moves. Now, this motion occurs more than once during a race. The total work done during a
race would be calculated by multiplying the work done for one step by the number of strides a
runner takes during a race. The number of strides a runner takes during a race is easily
calculable: it is the distance of the race divided by the runners stride length.

= ()
This leaves the power equation in its current form as:

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Where d is the race distance, m is the runners mass, s is the runners stride length, and t
is the runners time. The only remaining variable that must be defined is x. In order to
determine x, some generalizations must be made about the motion of a runners legs. Firstly, the
runners legs follow a pendulum like path, with a caveat. The pendulum has a translational
element included: this represents the time that the runner spends soaring through the air. The
translation piece is irrelevant in determining x; what matters is the pendulum-like movement.
The length of the arm of the pendulum is the runners inseam, which remains constant. When
the runners leg (the arm of the pendulum) is hanging straight down, the inseam is interpreted to
be the same as the vertical distance from the runners foot to the plane of his center of gravity.
When the leg has reached the left or rightmost point of its motion, the vertical distance between
the runners foot and his center of gravity will be less (see Figure 1). The distance formula is
used to determine the shorter value, which is then subtracted from the inseam measurement to
find x. In order to use the distance formula, the angle that the runners leg makes with the y axis
when at the left or rightmost point of its motion must be obtained. Upon analysis of pictures
from several amateur and professional runners, it was determined that the value for this angle is
essentially constant (see appendix A, figure 2).
When fully expanded, the equation is as follows:
2

(() + ()
( 2 (
) )
2

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Where d is the race distance, i is the runners inseam, w is the runners mass, sin(back)
is the angle formed by the back leg and sin(front) is the angle formed by the front leg. S is the
runners stride length and t is the time.
Selecting Videos:
Before selecting videos to analyze for the variables of the power equation, a population
must be selected. The population that will be used in this experiment is Olympic athletes. When
selecting the videos themselves, there are several considerations that must be made. The videos
must be clear enough for the dimensions of the runners to be determined videos that are too
blurry or grainy will be unsuitable for use. Additionally, the camera views and angles must be
situated in a way that enables proper measurements to be made. A bad camera angle can throw
off stride length, and a shot that is not zoomed in on the runners may complicate the process of
making measurements. Lastly, more recent data is preferred, but if videos of sufficient quality
from significant races older than 10 years are available, they may be examined for the sake of
comparison.
Analysis:
All of the videos that were analyzed in this project were of professional runners.
Analyzing professional runners made it easier to obtain data like weight and height from internet
sources.
When analyzing a video, the meet where and the date on which the race occurred should
be recorded. Before doing any video analysis, the runners in the race should be noted in the
runner database, and their heights and weights should be obtained and recorded. If possible, the
runners inseams should also be found and recorded. If inseam measurements are not readily
available, then the measurements must be obtained. In order to calculate inseam, a picture of the

VO2 MAX ON POWER

runner standing upright must be found. Using Paint or another photo editing software, two lines
can be drawn on the picture: one from the base of the runners heel to the top of his head, and
another from the base of the runners heel to his crotch. These lines can then be measured, and
by setting up a proportion using the runners actual height and the screen measurements, the
runners inseam can be calculated. Examples of this setup are found in appendix B, figures 1
through 4.
The next measurement that is needed for the calculation is stride length. There are two
possible methods for obtaining stride length: If the track has plentiful markings of a known
distance, then each runners stride length can easily be deduced by observing some footage. If
there are minimal markings on the track, then stride length must be obtained by counting the
number of strides a runner takes in a lap or a half lap and then dividing the distance by that
number. If the video footage is on YouTube, the video can be slowed down to make this process
easier.
The final two components needed to determine each runners power are the race distance
and the runners time. This information will be available online in the meet results or at the end
of the video. Once all of the variables have been defined, the horsepower can be calculated and
recorded. The horsepower should then be compared to VO2 max values, calculated using the
Daniels and Gilbert Equation, following the procedure outlined below.
The Daniels and Gilbert equation requires only race time in minutes and velocity in
meters per minute. Race time will be available in the meet results, and the velocity is easily
calculable. To find the velocity, simply divide the race distance by the time it took for a runner
to run the race. Record the results of the equation and compare to the horsepower equation
results.

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Runners run differently in each race, so it would be optimal to have several races worth
of footage for each athlete. Additionally, the results should be categorized by the distance of the
race. Grouping by race distance initially can allow for simpler analysis to begin with, while
leaving open the possibility for later comparison between race distances.
Results
Raw data tables and graphs depicting the results can be found in appendices C and D,
respectively. One set of graphs depicts the effect of VO2 max on each runners horsepower, and
the other set depicts the relationship between each runners power and the place in which he
finished. Data was obtained from various mens 1500 meter races, all from professional levels
of competition. The most recent videos were from meets in 2015, and the oldest were from the
2012 Olympics. The highest VO2 max value in the data sets was 79.8. VO2 max values
corresponded directly to the run times, due to the inputs for the Daniels and Gilbert formula.
Power values range from .132 horsepower as a minimum to .222 horsepower as a maximum, and
the mean of the power values is 0.172. The winners of each race had horsepower values ranging
from .143 to .194. Four of the winners power values fall within one standard deviation of the
mean, and the fifth is well within the second standard deviation. The graphs for each race
comparing the VO2 max values to the power values showed no obvious correlations (see
appendix D, graphs 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10). The fastest runners had the highest VO2 max, but the
power values were relatively independent of race time or VO2 max, as seen in graphs 3, 5, 7, 9,
and 11 in appendix D.
Conclusion
The purpose of this experiment was primarily to examine a potential relationship between
the developed power formula and VO2 max, as well as determine which equation was a better

VO2 MAX ON POWER

predictor for race outcome. A secondary goal of the experiment was to test the power formula
and troubleshoot for any flaws or inaccuracies. The hypothesis stated that the two would have
some mathematical correlation, linear or otherwise, and that power would be a better predictor
for race outcome than VO2 max. As the graphs show, there is no mathematical relationship
between the VO2 max value calculated by the Daniels-Gilbert formula and the horsepower value
calculated by the power formula. The data shows a very random scatter of values. Additionally,
neither formula appeared to be an adequate predictor of race performance. The Daniels-Gilbert
formula required time data, which could only be obtained after a race was one and the results
already known.
The power formula also failed to adequately predict race outcomes. For the horsepower
values to predict race outcomes, they would have to increase or decrease in order in which the
runners finished the race. Additionally, each race winners power value was expected to be close
to a minimum or a maximum. The graphs disprove the first of the two criteria: none of the plots
of the effect of power on place show a correlation. A standard deviation was used to test the
second condition and the fact that all of the winners power values fell within two standard
deviations of the mean disproved this condition as well. These results reject both terms of the
hypothesis, but the experiment had much greater success in terms of its secondary goal.
Over the course of the experiment, the power formula was proven an effective tool for
running analysis. Additionally, this experiment opened the door for several future experiments.
Firstly, many of the inputs for the power formula were calculated or estimated mathematically.
These inputs include the stride length and the bounce, or vertical oscillation. While the
estimations served well enough for the purposes of this experiment, there are instruments that
can measure both stride length and vertical oscillation. One possible extension for this

VO2 MAX ON POWER

experiment could be to repeat it using instruments to measure these two inputs to see if
estimation may have skewed the data. Another possibility for future research would be to
examine the relationship between stride length and vertical oscillation, specifically examining
how the relationship between the two influences race performance. One of the observations that
resulted over the course of the experiment was that a runner with minimal bounce and a large
stride length would require less power to finish a race in a given time. This observation may
lead to further revelations regarding efficiency and race performance.
This experiment helped to further work in the field of running biomechanics. Most
importantly, it introduced a new formula potentially capable of reliably calculating a runners
power, which is relatively novel to the field. Additionally, it raised questions about other
relationships and laid the groundwork for several future experiments in this field. While the
results did not support the hypothesis, the work that went into this experiment and some of the
relationships observed during it could result in future progress.

VO2 MAX ON POWER

References
Bassett, D. R., & Howley, E. T. (2000, January). Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake
and determinants of endurance performance. Medicine and science in sports and
exercise, 32(1), 70-84.
Earle, R. W., & Baechle, T. R. (Eds.). (2004). NSCA's essentials of personal training. NSCA
Certification Commission.
Guglielmo, L. G., Greco, C. C., & Denadai, B. S. (2005, January). Relationship of maximal
aerobic power and muscular strength with the running economy in endurance
athletes. Brazilian journal of sports medicine, 11(1), 57-60.
Joyner, M. J., & Coyle, E. F. (2008, January 1). Endurance exercise performance: the physiology
of champions. The journal of physiology, 586(1), 35-44.
Mayhew, J. L. (1977, September). Oxygen cost and energy expenditure of running in trained
runners. British journal of sports medicine, 11(3), 116-121.
Noakes, T. (2001). Lore of running (4th ed., p. 25-75, 313). Oxford University Press.
Noakes, T. D. (2000, June). Physiological models to understand exercise fatigue and the
adaptations that predict or enhance athletic performance. Scandinavian journal of
medicine and science in sports, 10(3), 123-145.
Saunders, P. U., Pyne, D. B., Telford, R. D., & Hawley, J. A. (2004). Factors affecting running
economy in trained distance runners. Sports medicine, 34(7), 465-485.

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Appendix A
Two models explaining the concept behind the calculation used for vertical oscillation.

Figure 1: First mechanical model

Figure 2: Mechanical model with translation

VO2 MAX ON POWER

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Appendix B
Examples of pictures used to obtain inseam data.
Figure 1: Asbel Kiprop

Figure 2: Leonel Manzano

All Pictures obtained from Google and used solely for the purposes of
measurement. Paint used to draw lines; measurements were made using a ruler.

Figure 3: Andrew Wheating

Figure 4: Charlie Grice

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Appendix C
Data tables for each race analyzed. Some runners left out because height, weight, or inseam
could not be obtained.

Men's 1500m Final - IAAF World Outdoor Championships 2015

Place Runner
1
2
3
7
8
9
10

Asbel Kiprop
Abdalaati Iguider
Taoufik Makhloufi
Nicholas Willis
Matthew Centrowitz
Charlie Grice
Leonel Manzano

Height Mass Weight Inseam

Stride Length
Distance Time
m
kg
N
m
m
m
s
1.88
62
607.6
0.91
2.33
1500
214.4
1.73
57
558.6
0.75
1.92
1500
214.67
1.75
70
686
0.85
1.92
1500
214.76
1.83
68
666.4
0.91
2
1500
215.46
1.75 60.3 590.94
0.78
1.92
1500
216.13
1.82
68
666.4
0.91
2
1500
216.21
1.65
57
558.6
0.76
1.85
1500
217.26

Men's 1500m Final - USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Place
1
3
5
6
9

Runner
Matthew Centrowitz
Leonel Manzano
Andrew Wheating
Kyle Merber
Colby Alexander

Height Mass Weight

Inseam
m
kg
N
m
m
1.75 60.3
590.94
0.78
1.65
57
558.6
0.76
1.98 82.1
804.58
0.93
1.8 62.6
613.48
0.78
1.8 63.5
622.3
0.81

Stride
Length
2.06
1.92
2.13
2.04
2.02

Distance Time
m
s
1500 217.25
1500 218.76
1500 219.47
1500 219.62
1500 220.62

Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 1 (2012)

Place Runner
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
13

Taoufik Makhloufi
Mekonnen Gebremedhin
Asbel Kiprop
Ross Murray
Mohamad Al-Garni
Leonel Manzano
Ryan Gregson
Belal Mansoor Ali
Egor Nikolaev
Teklit Teweldebrhan

Stride
Height Mass Weight Inseam
Length
Distance Time
m
kg
N
m
m
m
s
1.75
70
686
0.85
1.96
1500 215.15
1.83
62
607.6
0.88
1.96
1500 216.56
1.88
62
607.6
0.91
2.33
1500 216.59
1.83
69
676.2
0.9
2.13
1500 216.74
1.7
55
539
0.82
2
1500 216.99
1.65
57
558.6
0.76
1.82
1500
217
1.83
73
715.4
0.86
1.92
1500 218.54
1.68
61
597.8
0.83
1.92
1500 218.69
1.75
60
588
0.88
2.08
1500 218.92
1.73
65
637
0.87
1.89
1500 222.88

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 2 (2012)

Place Runner
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14

Hamza Driouch
Silas Kiplagat
Nathan Brannen
Andrew Baddeley
Andrew Wheating
David Bustos
Dmitrijs Jurkevics
Dawit Wolde
Niclas Sandells
Jamale Aarrass
Nabil Mohammed Al-Garbi

Height Mass Weight Inseam

m
kg
N
m
m
1.78 60.8 595.84
0.84
1.7
56
548.8
0.79
1.75 58.1 569.38
0.86
1.88 68.9 675.22
0.93
1.98 82.1 804.58
0.93
1.8 64.9 636.02
0.85
1.85 68.9 675.22
0.88
1.75
63
617.4
0.79
1.85 72.1 706.58
0.87
1.88 76.2 746.76
0.88
1.75 64.9 636.02
0.86

Stride
Length
2.04
2.08
1.92
1.96
2.13
2
2
2
1.96
2
1.96

Distance
m
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500

Time
s
219.67
219.79
219.95
220.34
220.92
221.34
221.4
221.81
222.67
225.13
235.46

Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 3 (2012)

Place

Runner

1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
12

Nicholas Willis
Abdalaati Iguider
Yoann Kowal
Henrik Ingebrigsten
Matthew Centrowitz
Carsten Schlangen
Aman Wote
Nixon Kiplimo Chepseba
Andreas Vojta

Stride
Height Mass Weight Inseam
Length
Distance Time
m
kg
N
m
m
m
s
1.83
68
666.4
0.91
1.96
1500 220.92
1.73
57
558.6
0.75
1.96
1500 221.08
1.73
68
666.4
0.85
2
1500 221.12
1.8
69
676.2
0.9
1.96
1500 221.33
1.75 60.3
590.94
0.78
1.92
1500 221.39
1.91
67
656.6
0.92
2.08
1500 221.51
1.8
64
627.2
0.85
2.08
1500 221.67
1.85
66
646.8
0.96
2.17
1500 222.29
1.88
77
754.6
0.87
2.04
1500 223.52

Data tables showing each runner, his place, his VO2 max, and power produced

Men's 1500m Final - IAAF World Outdoor Championships 2015

Runner
Asbel Kiprop
Abdalaati Iguider
Taoufik Makhloufi

Place
1
2
3

Power (hp)
0.154
0.141
0.196

VO2 max
79.8
79.7
79.6

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Nicholas Willis
Matthew Centrowitz
Charlie Grice
Leonel Manzano

7
8
9
10

0.195
0.154
0.195
0.147

79.3
79.1
79.0
78.6

Men's 1500m Final - USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Runner
Matthew Centrowitz
Leonel Manzano
Andrew Wheating
Kyle Merber
Colby Alexander

Place
1
3
5
6
9

Power (hp)
0.143
0.140
0.222
0.148
0.157

VO2 max
78.6
78.0
77.7
77.6
77.2

Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 1 (2012)

Runner
Taoufik Makhloufi
Mekonnen Gebremedhin
Asbel Kiprop
Ross Murray
Mohamad Al-Garni
Leonel Manzano
Ryan Gregson
Belal Mansoor Ali
Egor Nikolaev
Teklit Teweldebrhan

Place
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
13

Power (hp)
0.192
0.175
0.152
0.183
0.141
0.149
0.203
0.164
0.158
0.183

VO2 max
79.5
78.9
78.9
78.8
78.7
78.7
78.1
78.0
77.9
76.3

Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 2 (2012)

Runner
Hamza Driouch
Silas Kiplagat
Nathan Brannen
Andrew Baddeley
Andrew Wheating
David Bustos
Dmitrijs Jurkevics
Dawit Wolde
Niclas Sandells
Jamale Aarrass
Nabil Mohammed Al-Garbi

Place
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14

Power (hp)
0.155
0.132
0.161
0.202
0.221
0.169
0.186
0.153
0.195
0.203
0.164

VO2 max
77.6
77.5
77.5
77.3
77.1
76.9
76.9
76.7
76.4
75.4
71.6

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 3 (2012)

Runner
Nicholas Willis
Abdalaati Iguider
Yoann Kowal
Henrik Ingebrigsten
Matthew Centrowitz
Carsten Schlangen
Aman Wote
Nixon Kiplimo Chepseba
Andreas Vojta

Place
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
12

Power (hp)
0.194
0.134
0.178
0.195
0.150
0.182
0.160
0.179
0.200

VO2 max
77.1
77.0
77.0
76.9
76.9
76.8
76.8
76.5
76.1

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Appendix D

The effect of VO2 Max on horsepower

0.24

0.22

Horsepower

0.2

0.18
The effect of VO2 Max on
horsepower

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.1
70

72

74

76

78

80

82

VO2 Max

Graph 1: VO2 max vs power data for every runner analyzed

Graphs for Men's 1500m Final - IAAF World Outdoor Championships 2015

The effect of VO2 Max on horsepower

Power (HP)

0.25
0.2
0.15

The effect of VO2

Max on
horsepower

0.1
0.05
0
78.5

79

79.5
VO2 Max

Graph 2

80

VO2 MAX ON POWER

The effect of power on place

12

10
Place

8
6

The effect of
power on place

4
2
0
0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

Power (HP)
Graph 3

Graphs for Men's 1500m Final - USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships

The effect of VO2 Max on horsepower

0.25

Power (HP)

0.2
The effect of
VO2 Max on
horsepower

0.15
0.1
0.05
0
77

Graph 4

77.5

78
VO2 Max

78.5

79

VO2 MAX ON POWER

The effect of power on place

10
8

Place

6
4

The effect of power on

place

2
0
0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

Power (HP)

Graph 5

Graphs for Men's 1500m - Olympic Prelims Heat 1 (2012)

The effect of VO2 Max on horsepower

Power (HP)

0.25
0.2
The effect of
VO2 Max on
horsepower

0.15
0.1
0.05
0
76

77

78
VO2 Max

79

80

Graph 6

Place

The effect of power on place

12
10
8
6
4
2
0

The effect of power on place

0.05

0.1

0.15

Power (HP)

Graph 7

0.2

0.25

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Graphs for Mens 1500m Olympic Prelims Heat 2 (2012)

The effect of VO2 Max on horsepower

Power (HP)

0.25
0.2
0.15

The effect of
VO2 Max on
horsepower

0.1

0.05
0
70

72

74
VO2 Max

76

78

Graph 8

The effect of power on place

Place

15
10
5

The effect of power on place

0
0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

Power (HP)

Graph 9

Graphs for Mens 1500m Olympic Prelims Heat 3 (2012)

The effect of VO2 Max on horsepower

Power (HP)

0.25
0.2
0.15

The effect of
VO2 Max on
horsepower

0.1
0.05
0
76

Graph 10

76.2

76.4

76.6
VO2 Max

76.8

77

77.2

VO2 MAX ON POWER

The effect of power on place

10

Place

8
6
4

The effect of power on place

2
0
0

0.05

0.1

0.15

Power (HP)

Graph 11

0.2

0.25

VO2 MAX ON POWER

Appendix E
Video resources used for this experiment:

Youtube video: Athletics Men's 1500m Round 1 Full Replay -- London 2012 Olympic
Games
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4jLVhJrbIE
USATF video database: Men's 1500m Final - IAAF World Outdoor Championships 2015
o http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&do=videos&video_id=1547
15
USATF video database: Men's 1500m Final - USATF Outdoor Track and Field
Championships 2015
o http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&do=videos&video_id=1504
34