Van Schuylenbergh et al. (Eur J Applied Phys 91:94-99) published a study in 2004 using physiological and anthropometric measurements as independent variables to predict triathlon performance (expressed in minutes). Ten triathletes underwent extensive physiological testing in swimming, cycling and running. Within 2 weeks after the last lab test, all subjects competed in the National University Triathlon Championship. The final regression model was:

TP = 130 - 9.2(MLSSR) - 25.9(MLSSS) + 1.4(BLCR) TP = triathlon performance (minutes) MLSSR = running speed (meters/sec) MLSSS = swimming speed (meters/sec) BLCR = blood lactate concentration at running MLSS For the model R2 = 0.98.

a. Which is the dependent variable?
b. Which are the independent variables?
c. What null hypotheses on coefficients would you think were rejected? Why?