Determinants of distance running performance in children: Analysis of a path model

Kirk J. Cureton, Richard A. Boileau, Timothy G. Lohman, James E. Misner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

The relative importance of body size, body composition, cardiovascular-respiratory capacity, and running speed in determining individual differences in performance on 600-yd run and mile run tests was investigated using data on 196 children, ages 7 to 12 years. A multivariate, multistage path model was developed in which height, % fat, [Vdot]O2 max (ml/kg FFW. min) and the 50-yd dash time were postulated as determinants of individual differences on the two distance-running tests. These four independent variables accounted for 71% and 66% of the variance in the 600-yd run and mile run, respectively. All four independent variables had significant associations with the two distance runs when the influence of the other independent variables was taken into account. The 50-yd dash time and % fat were found to be the most important determinants of both distance runs. It was concluded that determinants of the 600-yd run and mile run in elementary-school-age children are complex and that individual differences on these tests reflect a number of attributes in addition to cardiovascular-respiratory capacity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)270-279
Number of pages10
JournalResearch Quarterly of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1977

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • General Medicine

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