An Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fartlek Interval Training Workout as a Predictor Workout Supported by Blood Lactate Concentration
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Runners around the globe often participate in workouts to increase their speed during races. Certain workouts can be described as predictor workouts. Predictor workouts are workouts that based on performance can hope to predict a certain race time. These types of workouts are especially beneficial in a team running environment. Fartlek workouts have not been considered to be a predictor workout, however fartlek workouts are valuable as the workout induces blood lactate. Many studies have shown that blood lactate concentration has been shown to be the most effective measurement of fitness. A lower change in blood lactate over the course of a workout shows that the runner is more physically fit. It is hypothesized that if runners complete a fartlek workout, the blood lactate results will be able to accurately predict the overall success of the runner in a 5k race. This was done by having 10 runners complete a fartlek workout and having each runner’s blood lactate be taken before and after the workout. The overall blood lactate change was recorded and a ranking was compiled. Each runner’s 5k time was recorded and ranked. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation was used to determine the overall correlation of the rankings. It was found that the hypothesis was partially supported by the data and that there was a partially strong correlation. Therefore, this study was able to partially support the hypothesis and conclude that there is a future in using fartlek workouts for predictor workouts backed by blood lactate.
Recommended Citation
Bartlett, Harry "Lawton", "An Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fartlek Interval Training Workout as a Predictor Workout Supported by Blood Lactate Concentration" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 113.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/113
Location
PENNY 210
Start Date
4-5-2025 11:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
An Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fartlek Interval Training Workout as a Predictor Workout Supported by Blood Lactate Concentration
PENNY 210
Runners around the globe often participate in workouts to increase their speed during races. Certain workouts can be described as predictor workouts. Predictor workouts are workouts that based on performance can hope to predict a certain race time. These types of workouts are especially beneficial in a team running environment. Fartlek workouts have not been considered to be a predictor workout, however fartlek workouts are valuable as the workout induces blood lactate. Many studies have shown that blood lactate concentration has been shown to be the most effective measurement of fitness. A lower change in blood lactate over the course of a workout shows that the runner is more physically fit. It is hypothesized that if runners complete a fartlek workout, the blood lactate results will be able to accurately predict the overall success of the runner in a 5k race. This was done by having 10 runners complete a fartlek workout and having each runner’s blood lactate be taken before and after the workout. The overall blood lactate change was recorded and a ranking was compiled. Each runner’s 5k time was recorded and ranked. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation was used to determine the overall correlation of the rankings. It was found that the hypothesis was partially supported by the data and that there was a partially strong correlation. Therefore, this study was able to partially support the hypothesis and conclude that there is a future in using fartlek workouts for predictor workouts backed by blood lactate.
