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Friday 31 July 2009

Orienteering Studies

I enjoyed this interesting blog from Miguel Reis e Silva. The reports of half a dozen scientific studies on the physiology of orienteering, it may interest those of you with a scientific bent...

Oxygen cost was 26% higher while running in a forest when compared with road running. Biomechanical differences in stride pattern contribute towards this increased demand. Despite the high energy demands during competition, orienteers pace themselves such that their mean heart rate remains within the range of 167 to 172 beats/min

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Interesting stuff, and he runs a speedy 5km, around 15flat it looks like!

Not so happy about the accelerated slowdown in performance for 45+ males, bit of a bummer.

Although another study has.. "elite mountain runners demonstrate that VO(2)AT and probably also VO(2max) may be held at top levels in humans up to the age of 45-49 years in both sexes."