The physiological effects of drafting in runners

Abstract

The drafting effect has not been thoroughly studied in running. The purpose of this study was to compare VOz, HR, BLa, and RPE during 6-minute running bouts with variations of wind velocities and with drafting. Six collegiate runners (3 male, 3 female) performed a maximal GXT and six, 6-minute running trials against a wind velocity of 0 m*ii, 3.64 m*s", and 4.7 mes". Three of these trials were done when draftirlg off a second runner, one at each wind velocity and three trials without. Comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA. Volume of oxygen consumed (V02) was significantly lower (p = 0.02) when drafting at a wind velocity of 4.7 m*ii (53.9 + 6.42 vs. 52.4 + 7.32) which equates a 2.9% reduction in VOz. W E was significantly lower (p = 0.029) when drafting at a wind velocity of 4.7 m*s-' (5.5 * 1.23 vs. 3.8 * 0.75). There was no significant difference in HR or BLa at any wind velocity. The results are in partial agreement with similar research. The drafting effect in running may help coaches and runners to train for performances and to develop time and energy saving racing strategies