A factor analytic study of runs involving speed and endurance

THE PROBLEM. The nature of the problem was to study the factor structure of tests involving speed and endurance. Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was to develop a schedule of running tests and to analyze them to determine if there was a point at which native speed is no longer an important factor of endurance running. Delimitations. The study was delimited to four sections of male undergraduate students enrolled in basic sections of male undergraduate students enrolled in basic eonditioning classes in the required physical education program at the University of Houston. The study was further delimited to the five marker variables and seven experimental variables. Data Collection. Sixty subjects were tested on the marker and experimental variables over a three month period. Analysis of Data. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance for repeated measures design to determine if a trial effect was present and to estimate intra-class reliability. The means, standard deviations, skewness, and kurtosis, and Pearson product-moment correlations for the variables were computed. The initial solutions were obtained from a general incomplete principal components analysis program. The desired orthogonal solutions were obtained by the Kaiser varimax procedure. Summary of Findings. The following findings were reported: (1) the evaluation of the 11 variable matrix indicated two isolated factors, neither of which loaded highly in the Astrand-Rhyming Step Test; (a) a factor exists which is measured by distance runs, and (b) a factor exists which is measured by speed runs; (2) the evaluation of the 12 variable matrix suggested that three common factors existed (a) a factor exists measured by distance runs; (b) a factor exists measured by speed runs, and (c) a factor exists measured by tests of maximum oxygen uptake; and (3), a comparison of the factor analytic findings suggest that the 12 minute run and the Astrand- Rhyming procedures for estimating maximum oxygen consumption measure different factors. Conclusions. The basic factors of speed and endurance were verified. Tests that measure maximum oxygen intake were found to measure a factor not included in running tests.