Evaluating The Impact of Vo₂Max on Running Economy Among Recreational Athletes: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31851/hon.v9i2.22826Abstract
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and running economy (RE) are important physiological determinants of endurance running performance. VO₂max represents the maximum capacity of the body to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise, whereas RE reflects the oxygen or energy required to maintain a given running speed. This study aim to systematically review the scientific literature examining the relationship between VO₂max and running economy among recreational runners and recreational athletes. A systematic literature review was designed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were planned across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published between October 27, 2016, and October 27, 2026. Search terms included VO₂max, maximal oxygen uptake, aerobic capacity, running economy, running efficiency, recreational runners, and amateur runners. Eligible studies were defined as peer-reviewed original research involving recreational runners or athletes aged 18–50 years, with validated VO₂max measurements and running-economy assessments. Methodological quality was to be evaluated using appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Preliminary evidence indicates that VO₂max and running economy contribute to endurance performance through related but distinct physiological mechanisms. Findings from recreational runners suggest that differences in oxygen cost may occur despite comparable relative cardiovascular fitness. Furthermore, a high-intensity interval training study reported improvements in VO₂max and time to exhaustion without significant overall changes in submaximal oxygen uptake. These findings suggest that improvements in maximal aerobic capacity do not necessarily result in better running economy. However, the final number of eligible studies and the consistency of the relationship remain undetermined pending completion of the systematic screening and quality assessment. Current preliminary evidence does not establish a consistent direct relationship between higher VO₂max and better running economy among recreational runners. Completion of the systematic review is required to clarify this relationship and identify the physiological and methodological factors influencing running economy.
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