Research Article

Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA

Volume: 9 Number: 1 January 25, 2026

Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA

Abstract

Purpose: This article examines the specific training challenges and methods for male 1500-meter runners at the pre-elite level. Success in middle-distance running requires a balance between aerobic capacity, speed endurance, racing strategy, and a profound understanding of the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological factors that influence performance. Studies emphasize the importance of incorporating high-intensity running, endurance training, and proper recovery into training regimens. Despite advancements in sports science, a consensus on optimal training protocols for this event remains elusive. Method: To address these challenges, the study employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to explore the relationships between 1500-meter performance and specific training variables. The research involved 16 pre-elite male athletes from a national team, analyzing their training data and performance metrics. The statistical values are evaluated by the Bartlett test at a significant level of p < 0.05 and KMO index = 0.786. Results: Strong correlations between 1500-meter performance and specific training distances. The first principal component showed a significant link to 1500m performance (r = 0.949), as well as to training distances of 1000 meters (r = 0.925), 1200 meters (r = 0.832), and 500 meters (r = 0.716). The importance of tailored training programs that address the unique needs of each athlete. Conclusion: This study highlights the complexities of training pre-elite male 1500-meter runners and emphasizes the value of individualized, systematic approaches. By identifying key correlations between training methods and performance, the research provides valuable insights for optimizing training protocols and enhancing athletic outcomes in middle-distance running.

Keywords

Middle distance 1500 meters , Pre-Elite Training , Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

References

  1. Billat, L. V. (2001). Interval training for performance : A scientific and empirical practice. Special recommendations for middle- and long distance running. Part I: Aerobic interval training. Sports Medicine, 31(1), 13–31. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Billat, V., Sirvent, P., Lepretre, P. M., & Koralsztein, J. P. (2003). Training effect on performance, substrate balance and blood lactate concentration at maximal lactate steady state in master endurance-runners. Pflugers Arch, 447(6), 875-83. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Billat, V. L., Hamard, L., Koralsztein, J. P., & Morton, R. H. (2009). Differential modeling of anaerobic and aerobic metabolism in the 800-m and 1,500-m run. Journal of Applied Physiology,107(2), 478–487. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Blagrove, R., & Hayes, P. R. (Eds.). (2021). The science and practice of middle and long distance running (1st ed.). Routledge. [CrossRef]
  5. Brooks, G. A. (2018). The science and translation of lactate shuttle theory. Cell Metabolism, 27(4), 757–785. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Buchheit, M., & Laursen, P. B. (2013). High-intensity interval training, solutions to the programming puzzle: Part I: Cardiopulmonary emphasis. Sports Medicine, 43(5), 313–338. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  7. Carroll, J. B. (1953). An analytical solution for approximating simple structure in factor analysis. Psychometrika, 18(1), 23–38. [CrossRef]
  8. Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2012). A grounded theory of psychological resilience in Olympic champions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13(5), 669–678. [CrossRef]
  9. Gucciardi, D. F., Lines, R. L. J., Ducker, K. J., Peeling, P., Chapman, M. T., & Temby, P. (2021). Mental toughness as a psychological determinant of behavioral perseverance in special forces selection. Sport, Exercise, and PerformancePsychology. 10(1), 164–175. [CrossRef]
  10. Hanon, C., Lévêque, J.-M., Thomas, C., & Vivier, L. (2008). Pacing strategy and V̇O₂ kinetics during a 1500-m race. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 29(3), 206–211. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
APA
Badreddine, B., Samir, H., Omar, M., Sid Ali, B., Lounis, N., & Yacine, B. (2026). Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, 9(1), 67-75. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1830110
AMA
1.Badreddine B, Samir H, Omar M, Sid Ali B, Lounis N, Yacine B. Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA. International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences. 2026;9(1):67-75. doi:10.33438/ijdshs.1830110
Chicago
Badreddine, Berbagui, Hettal Samir, Megrah Omar, Benabderrahmene Sid Ali, Nehaoua Lounis, and Batli Yacine. 2026. “Optimization of Performance in the 1500-Meter Race Among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA”. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences 9 (1): 67-75. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1830110.
EndNote
Badreddine B, Samir H, Omar M, Sid Ali B, Lounis N, Yacine B (January 1, 2026) Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences 9 1 67–75.
IEEE
[1]B. Badreddine, H. Samir, M. Omar, B. Sid Ali, N. Lounis, and B. Yacine, “Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA”, International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 67–75, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.33438/ijdshs.1830110.
ISNAD
Badreddine, Berbagui - Samir, Hettal - Omar, Megrah - Sid Ali, Benabderrahmene - Lounis, Nehaoua - Yacine, Batli. “Optimization of Performance in the 1500-Meter Race Among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA”. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences 9/1 (January 1, 2026): 67-75. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1830110.
JAMA
1.Badreddine B, Samir H, Omar M, Sid Ali B, Lounis N, Yacine B. Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA. International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences. 2026;9:67–75.
MLA
Badreddine, Berbagui, et al. “Optimization of Performance in the 1500-Meter Race Among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA”. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, vol. 9, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 67-75, doi:10.33438/ijdshs.1830110.
Vancouver
1.Berbagui Badreddine, Hettal Samir, Megrah Omar, Benabderrahmene Sid Ali, Nehaoua Lounis, Batli Yacine. Optimization of Performance in the 1500-meter Race among Pre-Elite Runners: Analysis of Training Modalities by PCA. International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences. 2026 Jan. 1;9(1):67-75. doi:10.33438/ijdshs.1830110