Running efficiency and long-distance performance prediction: Influence of allometric scaling

Objectives: The purpose of the present review was to investigate the influence of allometric scaling on the capacity to predict running performance using running efficiency (REff) values. News: REff, defined as oxygen consumption per unit distance, is believed to be a factor that is useful in the prediction of middle- and long-distance running performance. However, among factors that affect the relationship between REff and long-distance running performance, some authors have investigated the way in which body size impacts performance. Several studies support the use of allometric scaling and authors have tried to demonstrate that an indiscriminate use of the unit ml·kg-1·min-1 for oxygen consumption (VO2) is inappropriate for comparing VO2 values between subjects of different body characteristics. Prospects and projects: To date, the role of allometric scaling in the relationship between REff and the performance of long-distance runners has not been clearly demonstrated, even if there is some evidence that the use of kg-1 is not appropriate. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to investigate the ways in which allometric scaling can be used to predict running performance using REff values. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS