1. 1
MSc Sport and Exercise Science
Current Issues in Sport and Exercise Science
Can Strength Training Improve Endurance Performance?
Iain Christie 1107897
28/10/2011
2. 2
Search Strategy
To initially develop a starting point for the appropriate literature search the key
concepts and terms of the topic were selected. With the question being “Can strength
training be used to improve endurance performance?”, then the main search terms were;
strength training, endurance performance, endurance running, and cross training. Using the
PubMed, Medline and embase databases “strength training and endurance performance”
was searched for.
The search terms were then changed to focus on specific points for review. “Strength
training and lactate threshold” was input into the online databases. This offered no relevant
articles, so the terms were reviewed. Search terms were then further altered, and “resistance
training and lactate threshold” was used. Articles were also taken from bibliographies or
certain journal papers.
Figure 1 – search strategy
Database search using terms “strength
training and endurance performance”
(1008 results)
73 abstracts obtained with
relevant titles
21 full papers obtained in
relevance to original search
terms
10 Articles taken
from reference lists
of previous studies
5 Full articles
obtained from
revised search
strategy which
included terms
“resistance training
and lactate
threshold”
31 full papers relevant to
question.
0 Full articles
obtained from
revised search
strategy which
included terms
“strength training
and lactate
threshold”
36 full papers relevant to
question.
3. 3
Introduction
Specificity of training is perhaps the most significant principle used in athlete
preparation (Spencer & Gatsin, 2001), yet training methods that do not necessarily
incorporate the exact techniques and energy systems of a sport can be effectively utilised to
enhance performance in this particular activity. With a focus on endurance running, many
studies have been carried out to assess the effects that cross-training can have on overall
performance, with strength training being highlighted as being of particular importance.
Cross-training incorporates a range of methods and activities to achieve one
common aim (Tanaka & Swensen, 1998). In the case of an endurance runner this could be
to improve maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max).
With regards to endurance exercise in general, VO2 max is widely considered to be
the most important physiological measure in the assessment of potential for endurance
performance, however studies in this area have highlighted factors such as the lactate
threshold and running economy as influential components (Jones, 1998). “Running economy
relates strongly with running performance in events lasting longer than just a few minutes”
(Dumke et al. 2010), and this component holds particular significance as improvement in this
area would be highly significant for a competitive distance runner, as even if it cut just a few
seconds from a race time, this could be enough to impact highly on the overall competition
results (Johnston et al. 1997). In addition these determinants of performance, muscular
adaptations have also been suggested to be affected by strength training and play an
important role in endurance performance (Hickson et al. 1988; Mikkola et al. 2011; Tanaka
and Swensen, 1998). In general terms of functional adaptation, Roux (1881) suggested that
adaptation of cells is governed by stimuli, and so training can induce specific changes in the
structure and size of an individual’s organs, therefore altering overall performance.
While there are studies to evaluate the effects that resistance training could have on
these elements that determine endurance performance, there is also debate over what kind
of balance between strength and endurance training should be maintained. Conflicting
findings have been presented in regards to whether concurrent strength and endurance
training can in fact hinder the improvement that either of the methods would bring
individually (Nelson et al. (1990); Millet et al. (2002)).
Thusly a detailed review on this topic was done to establish an answer to the
question of whether strength training can be used to produce improvements to endurance
performance.
Lactate Threshold
An aspect of endurance performance that can be influenced by strength training is
lactate threshold. It is in instances where running economy is found to be unchanged that
the experimental focus is turned to this component of endurance running. The importance of
lactate threshold to endurance performance is highlighted by Allen et al. (1985) who
investigated the physiological reasons why elite older athletes were capable of performances
comparable to much younger non-elite runners. No differences in running economy were
witnessed between the two groups, so it was found that the elite older athletes did not
accumulate blood lactate until they were working at a significantly higher percentage of their
VO2 max.
Marcinik et al. (1991) found that strength training improves cycle endurance
performance, and this improved performance appeared to be related to increases in lactate
threshold and leg strength. This study suggests that strength training can be utilized to incur
4. 4
adaptations which act to improve endurance performance by lowering blood lactate levels
during submaximal exercise. This is in accordance with the findings of Hickson et al. (1980,
1988).
However Bishop et al. (1998) dismiss the idea of increased lactate threshold due to
strength training, stating that while 12 weeks of resistance training did increase leg strength,
there were no significant improvements in cycle endurance performance in endurance
trained cyclists. However this study does not show whether these findings would be the
same when focused on endurance running, or whether untrained individuals would mirror the
same results.
Running Economy
The importance of running economy as a component of endurance performance has
been highlighted (Jung, 2003; Dumke et al. 2010). A 6 week plyometric training program
incorporating elements of strength training produced significant improvements in running
economy (Spurrs et al. 2003). The importance of this is highlighted by Jung (2003) who
states that improved running economy would result in an athlete being able to run faster over
a specific distance or run further at a steady speed because of decreased oxygen
consumption. Therefore numerous studies have focused on the effects that strength training
has on this valuable performance element. Storen et al. (2008) found that an 8 week heavy
resistance training program produced improved running economy and time to exhaustion
without any increase in VO2 max or body composition. These findings were mirrored in a
study carried out by Johnston et al. (1997), where again running economy was improved in
subjects who trained with a combination of strength and endurance programs. It is
hypothesized in this study that such improvements in running economy are due to greater
total body strength, where altered running style allows the athlete to do less work at a given
speed. These suggestions come based on the upper and lower body strength improvements
that were witnessed in the endurance and strength group of this trial. This is in accordance
with the findings of Paavolainen et al. (1999), where introducing sessions of resistance
training to an endurance program caused improvements in running economy and maximal
isometric force. It is also important to note that it was found in this study that the combination
of strength and endurance training sessions had a positive influence on VO2 max. This study
suggests that such benefits are due to improved neuromuscular characteristics.
Evidence to support such a hypothesis comes from Sale (1988). In reference to
strength training programs lasting between 8 and 20 weeks, it is suggested that
improvements in voluntary strength is largely due to neural adaptation rather than muscular
adaptation. Exampled of these include improved coordination, improved learning, and
increased activation of prime mover muscles. In agreement with this, Aagaard et al. (2002)
highlight that a heavy-resistance training program resulted in a rise in efferent motor output
of spinal motoneurons during maximal voluntary muscle contraction.
The type of resistance exercises that are conducted will affect how running economy
is influenced (Guglielmo et al. 2009). In a comparison between two training regimes (heavy
weight strength training and explosive strength training) added to an endurance training
program, greater improvements to running economy were witnessed after the heavy weight
training schedule. This also indicates the significance of strength training being used in
combination with endurance training, a method used in many studies.
5. 5
Mikkola et al. (2011) introduced varied types of strength training alongside endurance
exercises to the regime of trained endurance runners. No significant improvements in VO2
max were witnessed; however there were percentage increases in endurance performance.
This increase was greater in the muscle endurance group than in the heavy resistance group
and the explosive training group. All groups demonstrated improvements in submaximal
running speeds during the maximal anaerobic running test. However, in contradiction to
other studies, there was no significant change in running economy in any groups. Significant
improvements in neuromuscular measures in the explosive resistance group and heavy
resistance group are shown to be responsible for the positive effects on endurance
performance. It also highlights how concurrent strength and endurance training benefits
endurance performance.
However, Ferrauti et al. (2010) argues against the benefits of combining strength and
endurance training. As with the 2011 study by Mikkola et al., improvements in leg strength
were witnessed. However, this study fails to draw and concise conclusion on the effects on
running economy. Although VO2 peak and submaximal VO2 in relation to VO2 peak was
seen to be positively influenced by the strength training program, it was initially witnessed
that the strength training intervention is in fact detrimental to values for running economy.
Strength Training Combined With Endurance Training
Aagaard and Anderson (2010) state that “equivocal repots exist for the effect of
concurrent strength and endurance training on adaptive changes in aerobic capacity,
endurance performance, maximal muscle strength and muscle morphology”, highlighting the
varying views over the benefits, or indeed inference of combining these two forms of training.
In a paper for the “National Strength and Conditioning Association” Coburn evaluates the
possible benefits of concurrent strength and endurance training, as well as the potential
negative effects. He writes that resistance training can increase muscle hypertrophy, while
aerobic endurance training can cause in increase in mitochondrial and capillary density. He
also states that the endurance and strength methods may interfere with adaptation that
would occur for each type of training if applied individually. Similar conclusions are drawn
from Hickson’s (1980) study. This investigation showed that heavy resistance training
combined with endurance training did produce significant increases in leg strength for the
first 6 or 7 weeks, however after a brief “leveling off” period, leg strength actually decreased
for the remainder of the 10 week program. This is a contrast to the effects of heavy
resistance training alone which produced increases in leg strength at a steady rate
throughout the whole program. However despite the combination of training methods
appearing to inhibit strength development, improvements in VO2 max were of the same
magnitude for the endurance group and the strength and endurance group. These findings
are consistent in other studies, such as in Dudley and Djamil (1985) who found that
concurrent strength and endurance training caused a reduction in specific maximal torque at
fast velocities of contraction, while the combination did not have a detrimental effect on the
increase in aerobic power. However it must be noted that this study was carried out with
cycling exercises, so it is only assumed that the same effects will translate to endurance
running. In disagreement with these findings, Nelson et al. (1990) found no difference in
torque gains with concurrent torque production and endurance exercise. They did however
find that aerobic development was inhibited in the second half of a 20 week exercise
program for the combined training. This highlights that adaptations that would normally occur
6. 6
with a normal endurance program are negatively influenced in the final stages of a
concurrent resistance and endurance program.
Johnston et al. (1997) draws conflicting conclusions to these however. It was
witnessed that combined strength and endurance training caused improvements in leg
strength and motor unit recruitment patterns, which in turn caused improvements in running
economy. It is also suggested here that when strength training is introduced to an endurance
program muscle hypertrophy of fast-twitch fibers, a point that contradicts Mikkola et al,
(2011). Millet et al. (2002) also found improvements in running economy after heavy weight
training was introduced to an endurance program, as well as significant increases in
maximal leg strength for subjects in the endurance and strength training group.
Muscular Adaptations
The importance of VO2 max and running economy as determinants of endurance
performance is widely reported. However numerous investigations have reported increases
in time before exhaustion without any improved values for VO2 max. Hickson et al. (1988)
designed a study examining eight subjects aged between 29 and 39 (6 male and 2 female)
with varying athletic backgrounds. A ten week strength training regime was incorporated
along with cycling and running exercises, and measurements were taken for VO2 max, leg
strength, long term endurance, short term endurance and body composition. They found
increases in short-term and long-term endurance values, and concluded that this was due to
increased muscular strength or power. They also highlight how short-term endurance values
could be caused by reduced rate of fast-twitch fibre recruitment.
These findings were in accordance with Tanaka and Swensen’s (1998) review paper
into the effectiveness of resistance training as cross-training methods for endurance
athletes. They highlight how strength training directly invokes muscle hypertrophy, where
larger levels of muscle protein content after strength training causes increased fibre size.
Dumke et al. (2010) shows that endurance performance is improved due to the positive
influence that strength training has on muscle power and stiffness, the direct relationship that
these values have with running economy.
These increases in muscular strength are valuable not only to improve aspects such
as running economy, but for other varying elements of an endurance race on a whole. For
example, Bulbulian et al. (1986) highlights the importance of muscular strength for hill
sections or races and for sprint finishes.
Conclusion
The large volume of research on the effects of strength training on endurance
performance highlights the importance of this topic in the field of sport and exercise.
However despite exhaustive study in this area, it cannot be said that a clear and concise
conclusion can be drawn. Experimental data does show that strength training can help
develop such elements as lactate threshold, running economy, muscle strength and
stiffness, and maximum oxygen consumption, which all act as determinants of endurance
performance. Neurological aspects have also been seen to be positively affected by strength
training. Nevertheless, split opinions still exist over the extent to which strength training
should be applied. Conflicting studies have proposed theories over whether concurrent
strength and endurance training improves endurance performance, or in fact hinders the
development and adaptations that would occur when adhering to either a strength program
7. 7
or an endurance program individually. It is these differing views that underline the
requirement for further investigations into the effects of combining strength training with an
endurance program. Only then can accurate conclusions be drawn as to the effects of
resistance training on overall endurance performance.
8. 8
Table 1 – Comparisonof studiesfocusingonrunningeconomy
Study Sample Training
Program
Key
Measurements
Key Findings
Ferrauti et al. (2010) 22 experienced
recreational runners
(15 male,7 female).
Age 40.0 ± 11.4
years.
Participants
randomlyseparated
into two groups
(endurance running
and combined
endurance running
and strength
training).
Both training groups
completed the
programs for 8
weeks. Strength
training consisted of
2 training unites per
week for 8 weeks
(with overload
provided as the
program
developed).
Endurance training
consisted of1 15km
training unitper
week added to the
subjects’ existing
endurance program.
Body mass,peak
torque, endurance
capacity, running
economy,running
coordination,lactic
acid concentration.
No change in
running coordination
and running
economydespite
increases in leg
strength with
inclusion ofstrength
training.
VO2 peak positively
influenced by
strength training
program
Mikkola et al. (2011) 30 male recreational
runners.Age 36 ± 6
(for heavy
resistance group),
36 ± 6 (for explosive
resistance group),
34 ± 9 for muscle
endurance group.
Subjects were
divided into 3
groups;heavy
resistance group,
explosive resistance
group,and muscle
endurance group.
First, all participants
completed a 6 week
preparatory
schedule to
introduce them to
the strength
exercises thatwould
be used in the
intervention,
followed by an 8
week resistance
training program in
addition to their
normal low intensity
endurance training.
This consisted of2
resistance training
regimes per week.
The muscle
endurance group
carried out squats
and seated leg
presses,the
explosive resistance
group did squats,
seated leg presses,
Body mass,muscle
strength,force
production of leg
extensors (using
countermovement
jumps),
electromyography
activity of leg
extensors. Maximal
anaerobic running
test was also
completed,and VO2
max was recorded
during treadmill
running.
Small decreases in
body mass
witnessed in all
groups.Leg press
performance
increased by3.6 ±
4.5% in heavy
resistance group
and by 3.6 ± 2.7%
in explosive
resistance group.
Muscle activation
increased by16.2 ±
22.4% in the heavy
resistance group
and by 9.0 ± 4.4%
in the explosive
resistance group.
Countermovement
jump performance
improved for all
three groups.
Maximum anaerobic
running test
performance
improved in all
groups,butwas
only statistically
significantfor the
heavy resistance
group with an
increase of2.6 ±
2.7%.
9. 9
squatjumps and
scissor jumps,and
the muscle
endurance group
used circuittraining
including squats
and lunges.
No significant
increases in VO2
max for all groups.
Storen et al. (2008) 17 (9 male,8
female) trained
runners.Aged 28.6
± 10.1 (intervention
group) and 29.7 ± 7
(control group).
8 subjects were
randomlyassigned
to an intervention
group,while the rest
were the control
group.Both groups
completed an 8
week training
program.
The intervention
group took part in
an MST session
with four sets of
4RM halfsquats,
totalling 24 strength
sessions (alongside
their normal
endurance training
program).
The control group
completed their
normal endurance
training program for
the 8 weeks.
Testing was done
before and after the
8 week programs.
The first day of
testing measured
blood lactate
concentration,heart
rate and oxygen
consumption during
5 minute runs at
varying set
velocities. VO2 max
was also measured,
along with maximal
aerobic speed and
time to exhaustion
during an MAS.
Half-squattesting
was conducted,
measuring lifting
time and distance of
work.
After the 8 week
programs,the
intervention group
displayed
improvements in
1RM half-squat
(33.2%), RFD half-
squat(26.0%),
running economyat
70% VO2 max
(5.0%), time to
exhaustion at MAS
(21.3%). The control
group displayed
none of these
improvements.
Johnston etal.
(1997)
12 female trained
runners.Aged 30.3
± 1.4 years.
6 subjects randomly
assigned to an
endurance and
strength group,and
the other 6 assigned
to the control group
(who only undertook
their normal
endurance regime).
Endurance training
was therefore
carried out by both
groups.This
consisted ofrunning
4 to 5 days a week,
for 20 to 30 miles
each week, for 12
weeks.
The strength
training that was
added to the
endurance and
strength group
involved weight
training 3 days a
week for 10 weeks
(including free
weights used for
parallel squat,
seated press,
Body composition.
Running economy
and VO2 max was
recorded before and
after the
interventions for 6
minute submaximal
treadmill runs.
Strength was
recorded as the
maximum amountof
weightthat could be
lifted for one
repetition in the
parallel squat,knee
flexion, seated
press,hammer curl,
bench press and
rear lat pull down.
No significant
changes in body
composition for both
groups.
The endurance and
strength group
displayed strength
improvements for
upper body (24.4%)
and lower body
(33.8%). No
improvements were
witnessed for the
control group.
The endurance and
strength group
showed improved
running economy
(4%). Again, these
improvements did
not occur in the
control group.
10. 10
hammer curl,
weighted situp,
lunge,bent-leg heel
raise,and bench
press.
Paavolainen et al.
(1999)
18 trained male
runners.Aged 23 ±
3 (in the
experimental group)
and 24 ± 5 (in the
control group).
The subjects were
divided into two
groups;the
experimental group
and the control
group.The total
training volume was
the same for both
groups droning the
intervention, with
the experimental
programs lasting 9
weeks.
For the
experimental group,
32% of training
hours were replaced
with sport-specific
explosive strength
training (with just
3% of the control
groups training
hours being
replaced).The
strength training
consisted ofvarious
sprints and jumping
exercises alongside
leg-press and knee
extensor-flexor
exercises.The rest
of the training
comprised of
endurance and
circuit exercises.
Body composition
was recorded
before intervention.
Testing was carried
out before the
intervention and
after the 3,6 and 9
weeks mark.
Measurements
taken included
isometric force of
the leg extensor
muscles,lactate
threshold, VO2 max,
and running
economy.
Tests also included
completing a 5k run
before and after the
training programs.
Significant
decreases in 5k
times were
witnessed for the
experimental group
upon completion of
the 9 week
program,butno
changes occurred
for the control
group.
Running economy
and VO2 max
improved
significantlyfor the
experimental group,
but again no change
occurred for the
control group.
Maximal isometric
force increased in
for the experimental
group,and
decreased in the
control group,
though these
changes were not
statistically
significant.
Guglielmo etal
(2009).
17 trained runners.
Aged 27.9 ± 8.2 (for
explosive strength
training group) and
31.0 ± 11.4 (for the
heavy weight
strength training
group.
Subjects were
randomlyassigned
to one of two
groups;the
explosive strength
training group and
the heavy weight
training group.
Both groups
completed 2 weeks
of testing before
and after a 4 week
training program.
The training
programs consisted
of two strength
training sessions
and four
submaximal run
sessions.
The strength
training for both
Body composition.
During the 2 weeks
of testing before
and after the
intervention period
measurements
included VO2 peak,
velocity
corresponding to
3.5mM of blood
lactate
concentration
(vOBLA), running
economy,
countermovement
jump performance,
maximum isoinertial
strength.
Neither group
displayed significant
change in body
composition or in
VO2 peak.
Both groups
displayed
significantlyhigher
vOBLA after the
training periods.
Significant
improvement
occurred after the
heavy weight
training program
(6.2%) but not after
the explosive
strength training
program.
Maximal isotonic
strength increased
11. 11
groups included leg
press,parallel
squat,leg
extension,leg
flexion and 2
exercises ofcalf
raise.The heavy
weighttraining
group completed
three sets to failure
of six reps in weeks
1 and 2, and four
and five sets in
weeks 3 and 4
respectively. The
explosive strength
group completed 3
sets to failure of
twelve reps in
weeks 1 and 2, and
four and five sets in
weeks 3 and 4
respectively.
Overload was
introduced to both
programs.
significantlyfor the
heavy weight
training group (38%)
and for the
explosive strength
training group (51%)
Countermovement
jump was also
significantly
improved after the
explosive strength
training program.
Table 2 – Comparison of studies focusing on the effects of combined strength and
endurance performance.
Study Sample Training
Program
Key
Measurements
Key Findings
Millet et al. (2002) 15 trained
triathletes.Aged
24.3 ± 5.2
(endurance and
strength group) and
21.4 ± 2.1
(endurance group).
The subjects were
randomlyassigned
to one of two
groups;the
endurance and
strength group,and
the endurance only
group.
Before starting the
intervention period,
a 10 week
preconditioning-
orientation phase
was undertaken.
This was largely
made up of aerobic
training.
Upon completion of
this,both groups
took part in a 14
week endurance
training program.In
addition to this,the
endurance and
strength group
performed a heavy
weighttraining
program focusing
on the lower limbs.
Testing was carried
out before and after
the intervention
period.
Measurements
included maximal
concentric strength
evaluation of the
lower limbs,
hopping tests,track
running tests,
incremental testto
exhaustion (VO2
max test).
The exercise and
strength group
recorded an
increase in VO2
max after training
(from 19.5 ± 1.0 to
20.0 ± 0.8) but no
change was
witnessed for the
endurance only
group.
The endurance and
strength group
recorded significant
increases in
maximal leg
strength during half-
squatand calf raise.
No changes
occurred for the
endurance only
group.
For hopping height,
the endurance and
strength group
remained
unchanged,
whereas the
endurance only
12. 12
This was performed
twice a week for the
14 week duration.
group had
decreased values
after the training
program,and their
hopping power was
lowered from 2963
± 535W to 2625 ±
631 W.
Hickson (1980) For the strength
training group 7
males and 1 female.
Aged between 18
and 27.
For the endurance
training group 5
males and 3
females.Aged
between 19 and 36.
For the strength and
endurance group 5
males and 2
females.Aged
between 18 and 37.
Several of the
participants were
active in
recreational sports,
however none
trained on a regular
basis for at least3
months before the
start of the
intervention
program.
Subjects were split
into 3 groups;
endurance training,
strength training,
and strength and
endurance training.
This was done on a
voluntary basis.
The strength
training program
included weight
training 5 days a
week for 10 weeks,
and used exercises
focused towards leg
strength.Deadlifts
and sit-ups were
done on days 2 and
4 to strengthen back
and abdominal
muscles to avoid
injury. Overload was
introduced.
With the endurance
training program,
subjects exercised 6
days a week for 10
weeks.It included
interval training on
and ergometer,and
running training of
steady pace for set
durations.
The endurance and
strength group
performed both
schedules,with at
least2 hours ofrest
in between.
VO2 max (measured
on the ergometer
and treadmill), girth
and skinfold
measurements,leg
strength
measurements.
Both the strength
and the endurance
groups recorded
improvements in leg
strength (25%).
Losses in leg
strength were
observed for all
subjects in the
strength and
endurance group.
No significant
differences between
the endurance
group and the
strength and
endurance group for
rate of increase in
VO2 max. Average
increase for VO2
max was by 23% in
the endurance
group,and by 18%
in the strength and
exercise group.
VO2 max was not
significantly
changed by the
strength training
alone.
Dudley and Djamil
(1985)
22 untrained
subjects (14
females,8 males).
Subjects splitinto 3
groups;endurance
group,strength
group,strength and
endurance group.
Each group trained
for 7 weeks.
Endurance training
included 5 sessions
lasting 5 minutes 3
times a week on a
cycle ergometer,
with a work load
matching the
subjects’ peak
ergometer oxygen
Testing was done
before and after the
intervention
process,measuring
maximal knee
extension torque for
the strength and
endurance group
and the strength
group,peak
ergometer oxygen
uptake for the
strength and
endurance group
and the strength
group (this was also
measured at14 day
The strength group
showed significant
improvements in
angle-specific
maximal torque at
angular velocities
up to 4.19rad/s.The
strength and
endurance group
showed significant
improvements in
this value but only
up to 1.68rad/s.
Peak ergometer
oxygen uptake was
significantly
13. 13
uptake.
Strength training
included two sets
lasting 30s of
maximal knee
extensions per day
on an isokinetic
dynamometer three
times a week.
The strength and
endurance group
performed the
endurance program
and the strength
program on
alternate days.
intervals throughout
training).
increased for the
endurance group
and for the strength
and endurance
group (18%).
Nelson etal. (1990) 14 healthy, active
males who had not
taken part in any
training program for
at leasta year prior
to the start of the
intervention.
Subjects were
randomlydivided
into three groups;
increased torque
production group,
endurance group,
combined increased
torque production
and endurance
group.
The increased
torque production
training program
consisted of4 days
per week on an
isokenitic
dynamometer.It
included 3 sets of 6
maximal effort
repetitions ofknee
extension and
flexion.
The endurance
training program
consisted offour
days per week on a
cycle ergometer,
exercising for 30
minutes at75% of
maximum heart
rate. In weeks 3,4,5
and 7 intensity and
duration was
graduallyincreased.
The combination
group completed
both the increased
torque and
endurance training
programs 4 days
per week.
Training programs
for all groups lasted
20 weeks.
Tests for torque
production and
cardiovascular
power were carried
out before, during
and after the
intervention
program.VO2 max
was measured on a
treadmill.
Torque significantly
increased in the
increased torque
production group
and combination
group (ranging from
37% to 65% and
27% to 83%
respectively). No
significanttorque
gains were
witnessed in the
endurance group.
VO2 max values
were significantly
higher after 11
weeks of training for
the endurance
group and
combination group,
but no change
occurred in the
increased torque
production group.
For the lasthalf of
the training program
there were further
improvements in
this value for the
endurance group,
but not for the
combination group.
14. 14
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