Effect of speed endurance and strength training on performance, running economy and muscular adaptations in endurance trained runners
PurposeTo investigate the effects of combined strength and speed endurance (SE) training along with a reduced training volume on performance, running economy and muscular adaptations in endurance trained runners.MethodsSixteen male endurance runners (VO2 max: ~60 ml kg 1 min 1) were randomly assigned to either a combined strength and SE training (CSS; n 9) or a control (CON; n 7) group. For 8 weeks, CSS replaced their normal moderate intensity training ~63 km week 1) with SE (2 x week 1) and strength training (2 x week 1) as well as aerobic high (1 x week 1) and moderate (1 x week 1) intensity training with a reduction in total volume of ~58 whereas CON continued their training ~45 km week 1).ResultsIn CSS, 400 m and Yo Yo intermittent recovery test performance was improved by 5 (P 0.01) and 19 (P 0.001) respectively, during the intervention period. Maximal aerobic speed was 0.6 km h 1 higher (P 0.05) and maximal activity of lactate dehydrogenase subunits 1 and 2 was 17 (P 0.05) higher after compared to before the intervention period. Time to exhaustion and peak blood lactate during an incremental treadmill test was 9 (P 0.05) and 32 (P 0.01) respectively, higher and expression of Na+ K+ pump b1 subunit was 15 higher (P 0.05) after compared to before the intervention period. 10 K performance, maximum oxygen uptake and running economy were unchanged. In CON, no changes were observed.ConclusionsAdding strength and speed endurance training, along with a reduced training volume, can improve short term exercise capacity and induce muscular adaptations related to anaerobic capacity in endurance trained runners.
European Journal of Applied Physiology