Influence of Body Weight, FMS, & Summer Training on Mile Run Performance in Endurance Runners: 793 Board #27 May 29 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

PURPOSE: Anthropometrics, summer training volume, and functional movement including unilateral strength, flexibility and coordination have all previously been linked to athletic performance. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the best predictor of mile time trial performance in division III cross country runners across the variables of body weight, functional movement screen (FSM), and total volume of miles run in the 14 weeks leading up to the start of the cross country season. METHODS: 31 subjects (M=22, F=9) aged (20 +/- 2 yrs) on a division III collegiate cross country team were asked to record and report summer mileage each week for the 14 weeks preceding the start of the season. Additionally, FMS tests were conducted on all subjects, as well as body weight measurement within the first week of the season. All subjects also completed a mile time trial run concomitantly. A multiple regression analysis was utilized to determine if FMS score, pre-season mileage, and/or body weight were significant predictors of mile time trial performance. RESULTS: The overall regression analysis revealed that FMS, body weight, and summer mileage were significant predictors of mile time trial performance (r= .41; p < .05). When covaried out, body weight was not significantly (p > .05) correlated with mile time trial performance for males or females (r = .35, r = .27, respectively). Summer mileage was statistically significant (p < .05) to mile time trial results. Lastly, FMS testing was deemed not significant (p > .05) towards mile time trial performance. CONCLUSIONS: Summer running volume, as recorded in the 14 week period leading up to the cross country season is the best predictor of performance when compared to anthropometric data as well as functional movement screening. Cross country athletes should focus on utilizing the progressive overload principle to gradually increase running volume over the summer months in order to maximize in season performance.