Towse, T. F., Percy, C., Hanby, C., & Freedson, P. S. (2002). Specificity of training and the metabolic cost of transport. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 976.

The cost of transport (CT) is the metabolic cost of movement scaled relative to body mass per unit distance traveled (VO2 ml/kg/km). This study compared the CT at training velocity to 1) the velocity 30% below training, 2) preferred running velocity, and 3) velocity at lactate threshold. Trained distance runners (M = 3; F = 8) served as Ss.

There were no differences in CT across any of the running velocities. The running velocity and aerobic demand of running at 30% below training pace were significantly lower when compared to the other conditions.

Implication. The lack of a difference in CT across running velocities suggests that beneficial training adaptations can occur at a variety of running velocities and solely at a specific training velocity.

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