Drafting's Improvement of 3000-m Running Performance in Elite Athletes: Is It a Placebo Effect?

Purpose: To determine the effect of drafting on running time, physiological response, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3000-m track running. Methods: Ten elite middle- and long-distance runners performed 3 track-running sessions. The 1st session determined maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using a lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas-exchange system (K4B(2)). The 2nd and the 3rd tests consisted of nondrafting 3000-m running (3000-mND) and 3000-m running with drafting for the 1st 2000 m (3000-mD) performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Results: Performance during the 3000-mND (553.59 +/- 22.15 s) was significantly slower (P <.05) than during the 3000-mD (544.74 +/- 18.72 s). Cardiorespiratory responses were not significantly different between the trials. However, blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P <.05) after the 3000-mND (16.4 +/- 2.3 mmol/L) than after the 3000-mD (13.2 +/- 5.6 mmol/L). Athletes perceived the 3000-mND as more strenuous than the 3000-mD (P <.05) (RPE = 16.1 +/- 0.8 vs 13.1 +/- 1.3). Results demonstrate that drafting has a significant effect on performance in highly trained runners. Conclusion: This effect could not be explained by a reduced energy expenditure or cardiorespiratory effort as a result of drafting. This raises the possibility that drafting may aid running performance by both physiological and nonphysiological (ie, psychological) effects.