ABSTRACT
Maximal oxygen uptake and exercise economy are commonly measured in studies in which the aerobic performances of different individuals or groups of athletes are compared. Defi ning the current training status of an elite runner, and comparing the physiological profi les of different standards of athletes are examples. Effi ciency measures, other than average values for estimating oxygen uptake from external work done, are less often quoted in the literature due to problems of measurement, which are often exacerbated by the use and abuse of different defi nitions (Cavanagh and Kram 1985).
