Effectiveness of Fartlek Training on Maximum Oxygen Consumption and Resting Pulse Rate in A Relay Runner: A Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64882/ijrt.v14.i2.1475Keywords:
Fartlek training, relay runner, VO₂max, resting pulse rate, case study, aerobic capacityAbstract
Background: Relay running demands high aerobic capacity and cardiovascular efficiency due to intermittent high-intensity efforts and rapid recovery requirements. Fartlek training, a variable-intensity "speed play" method, has shown promise for enhancing endurance performance, but its effects on individual relay runners warrant detailed case examination.
Case Presentation: A 20-year-old male relay runner (height: 178 cm, weight: 72.5 kg, BMI: 22.9 kg/m²) with three years of competitive experience participated in a six-week Fartlek training program. The intervention consisted of three supervised sessions per week, each comprising 10-15 minutes warm-up, 20-30 minutes of variable-intensity continuous running (alternating between 80-90% and 50-60% of maximum heart rate), and 10-15 minutes cool-down.
Measurements: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max) was estimated using the Queen College Step Test, and resting pulse rate (RPR) was measured via pulse oximetry after 10 minutes of quiet rest. Assessments were conducted at baseline (Week 1) and post-intervention (Week 6).
Results: Following the six-week intervention, the participant demonstrated a 9.35% increase in VO₂max (from 49.2 to 53.8 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) and an 8.82% reduction in resting pulse rate (from 68 to 62 bpm). These improvements exceeded the minimal clinically important differences reported in endurance training literature and were consistent with group-level outcomes from the parent randomized controlled trial.
Conclusion: This case study provides evidence that a six-week Fartlek training program can produce clinically meaningful improvements in aerobic capacity and cardiovascular efficiency in a relay runner. The findings support the incorporation of Fartlek training into periodized conditioning regimens for relay athletes.
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