King Grub
2017-05-02, 08:32
The objective of this study was to assess the net effects of strength training on middle- and long-distance performance through a meta-analysis of the available literature.
METHODS:
Three databases were searched from which 28 out of 554 potential studies met all inclusion criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated and weighted by the inverse of variance to calculate an overall effect and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether the strength-training intensity, duration and frequency, and population performance level, age, sex and sport were outcomes that may influence the magnitude of the effect.
RESULTS:
The implementation of a strength-training mesocycle in running, cycling, cross-country skiing and swimming was associated with moderate improvements in middle- and long-distance performance [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.52 (0.33 to 0.70)]. These results were associated with improvements in the energy cost of locomotion [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.65 (0.32 to 0.98)], maximal force [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.99 (0.80 to 1.18)] and maximal power [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.50 (0.34 to 0.67)]. Maximal force training led to greater improvements than other intensities. Subgroup analyses also revealed that beneficial effects on performance were consistent irrespective of the athletes' level.
CONCLUSION:
Taken together, these results provide a framework that supports the implementation of strength training in addition to traditional sport-specific training to improve middle- and long-distance performance, mainly through improvements in the energy cost of locomotion, maximal power and maximal strength.
Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2017 May 1:1-27. Strength Training for Middle- and Long-Distance Performance: A Meta-Analysis
METHODS:
Three databases were searched from which 28 out of 554 potential studies met all inclusion criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated and weighted by the inverse of variance to calculate an overall effect and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether the strength-training intensity, duration and frequency, and population performance level, age, sex and sport were outcomes that may influence the magnitude of the effect.
RESULTS:
The implementation of a strength-training mesocycle in running, cycling, cross-country skiing and swimming was associated with moderate improvements in middle- and long-distance performance [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.52 (0.33 to 0.70)]. These results were associated with improvements in the energy cost of locomotion [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.65 (0.32 to 0.98)], maximal force [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.99 (0.80 to 1.18)] and maximal power [net SMD (95%CI) = 0.50 (0.34 to 0.67)]. Maximal force training led to greater improvements than other intensities. Subgroup analyses also revealed that beneficial effects on performance were consistent irrespective of the athletes' level.
CONCLUSION:
Taken together, these results provide a framework that supports the implementation of strength training in addition to traditional sport-specific training to improve middle- and long-distance performance, mainly through improvements in the energy cost of locomotion, maximal power and maximal strength.
Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2017 May 1:1-27. Strength Training for Middle- and Long-Distance Performance: A Meta-Analysis