Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Beattie, K,Carson, BP,Lyons, M,Rossiter, A,Kenny, IC
2017
January
Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association
The effect of strength training on performance indicators in distance runners
Published
()
Optional Fields
running economy (V)(V)over doto(2)max distance running RUNNING PERFORMANCE MUSCLE POWER DETERMINANTS ECONOMY ENDURANCE EXERCISE OXYGEN
31
9
23
Running economy (RE) and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake ((V)(V)over dotO(2)max) are considered to be the best physiological performance indicators in elite distance runners. In addition to cardiovascular function, RE and (V)(V)over dotO(2)max are partly dictated by neuromuscular factors. One technique to improve neuromuscular function in athletes is through strength training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 40-week strength training intervention on strength (maximal and reactive strength), (V)(V)over dotO(2)max, economy, and body composition (body mass, fat, and lean mass) in competitive distance runners. Twenty competitive distance runners were divided into an intervention group (n = 11; 29.5 +/- 10.0 years; 72.8 +/- 6.6 kg; 1.83 +/- 0.08 m) and a control group (n = 9; 27.4 +/- 7.2 years; 70.2 +/- 6.4 kg; 1.77 +/- 0.04 m). During week 0, 20, and 40, each subject completed 3 assessments: physiology ((V)2 mmol.L-1 BLa, (V)2 mmol.L-1 BLa [blood lactate], V4 mmol.L-1 BLa, RE, (V)(V)over dotO(2)max, (V)over dotO(2)max), strength (1 repetition maximum back squat; countermovement jump and 0.3 m drop jump), and body composition (body mass, fat mass, overall lean, and leg lean). The intervention group showed significant improvements in maximal and reactive strength qualities, RE, and (V)(V)over dotO(2)max, at weeks 20 (p <= 0.05) and 40 (p <= 0.05). The control group showed no significant changes at either time point. There were no significant changes in body composition variables between or within groups. This study demonstrates that 40 weeks of strength training can significantly improve maximal and reactive strength qualities, RE, and (V)(V)over dotO(2)max(V)(V)over dotO(2)max, without concomitant hypertrophy, in competitive distance runners.
Grant Details