Concurrent Training in Elite Male Runners

TLDR

Combined aerobic and anaerobic training has been studied, but data on well‑trained runners are scarce. The study aimed to identify which concurrent strength‑endurance training mode best enhances running performance in elite male runners. Eighteen highly trained male runners were randomly assigned to endurance‑only, strength (resistance + plyometric + endurance), or endurance‑strength (40 % load) groups and completed 12 weeks of 8 weekly sessions (6 endurance, 2 strength) followed by 5 weeks detraining, with pre‑ and post‑tests of jump performance, strength, running economy, VO₂max, HRmax, peak velocity, RPE, and a 3‑km time trial. Concurrent training in the strength and endurance‑strength groups produced significant improvements in maximal strength, running economy, and peak velocity, with the strength group also showing better 3‑km time trial performance, while VO₂ kinetics remained unchanged.

Abstract

Much recent attention has been given to the compatibility of combined aerobic and anaerobic training modalities. However, few of these studies have reported data related to well-trained runners, which is a potential limitation. Therefore, because of the limited evidence available for this population, the main aim was to determine which mode of concurrent strength-endurance training might be the most effective at improving running performance in highly trained runners. Eighteen well-trained male runners (age 23.7 ± 1.2 years) with a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) more than 65 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) were randomly assigned into 1 of the 3 groups: Endurance-only Group (n = 6), who continued their usual training, which included general strength training with Thera-band latex-free exercise bands and endurance training; Strength Group (SG; n = 6) who performed combined resistance and plyometric exercises and endurance training; Endurance-SG (ESG; n = 6) who performed endurance-strength training with loads of 40% and endurance training. The study comprised 12 weeks of training in which runners trained 8 times a week (6 endurance and 2 strength sessions) and 5 weeks of detraining. The subjects were tested on 3 different occasions (countermovement jump height, hopping test average height, 1 repetition maximum, running economy (RE), VO2max, maximal heart rate [HRmax], peak velocity (PV), rating of perceived exertion, and 3-km time trial were measured). Findings revealed significant time × group interaction effects for almost all tests (p < 0.05). We can conclude that concurrent training for both SG and ESG groups led to improved maximal strength, RE, and PV with no significant effects on the VO2 kinetics pattern. The SG group also seems to show improvements in 3-km time trial tests.