Research Article: The Effect of Strength Training on Performance in Endurance Athletes
/Research article The Effect of Strength Training on Performance in Endurance Athletes, C .Beattie, I. Kenny, M. Lyons and B.Carson. (2014). Sports Medicine 44:845-865
BACKGROUND
Economy, velocity/power at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO₂ Max / wVO₂ Max) and endurance-specific muscle power tests (i.e. maximal anaerobic running velocity vMART), are now thought to be the best performance predictors in elite endurance athletes. In addition to cardiovascular function, these key performance indicators are believed to be partly dictated by the neuromuscular system. One technique to improve neuromuscular efficiency in athletes is through strength training.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to search the body of scientific literature for original research investigating the effect of strength training on performance indicators in well-trained endurance athletes - specifically economy, vVO₂ Max / wVO₂ Max and muscle power (VMART).
METHODS
A search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science search engines. There were twenty-six studies that met the inclusion criteria (athletes had to be trained endurance
The results showed that strength training improved time trial performance, economy, vVO₂ Max / wVO₂ Max and vMART in competitive endurance athletes.
CONCLUSION
The present research available supports the addition of strength training in an endurance athlete’s program for improved economy, vVO₂ Max / wVO₂ Max, muscle power and performance. However, it is evident that further research is needed. Future investigations should include valid strength assessments (i.e. squats, jump- squats, drop jumps) through a range of velocities (maximal strength ↔ strength-speed ↔ speed-strength ↔ reactive- strength), and administer appropriate strength programs (exercise, load & velocity prescription) over a long-term intervention period (> 6 months) for optimal transfer to performance.
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