Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of resistance training on neuromuscular characteristics and pacing during 10-km running time trial

  • Original Article
  • Published:
European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of an 8-week strength training program on the neuromuscular characteristics and pacing adopted by runners during a self-paced endurance running.

Methods

Eighteen endurance runners were allocated into either strength training group (STG, n = 9) or control group (CG, n = 9) and performed the following tests before and after the training period: (a) incremental test, (b) running speed-constant test, (c) 10-km running time trial, (d) drop jump test, (e) 30-s Wingate anaerobic test, (f) maximum dynamic strength test (1RM). During 1RM, the electromyographic activity was measured.

Results

In the STG, the magnitude of improvement for 1RM (23.0 ± 4.2 %, P = 0.001), drop jump (12.7 ± 4.6 %, P = 0.039), and peak treadmill speed (2.9 ± 0.8 %, P = 0.013) was significantly higher compared to CG. This increase in the 1RM for STG was accompanied by a tendency to a higher electromyographic activity (P = 0.080). The magnitude of improvement for 10-km running performance was higher (2.5 %) for STG than for CG (−0.7 %, P = 0.039). Performance was improved mainly due to higher speeds during the last seven laps (last 2800 m) of the 10-km running trial. There were no significant differences between before and after training period for maximal oxygen uptake, respiratory compensation point, running economy, and anaerobic performance for both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a strength training program offers a potent stimulus to counteract fatigue during the last parts of a 10-km running race, resulting in an improved overall running performance.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

1RM:

Maximum dynamic strength

CG:

Control group

CT:

Contact time

iEMG:

Electromyographic activity

DJH:

Drop jump height

MP:

Mean power

PP:

Peak power

PTS:

Peak treadmill speed

RCP:

Respiratory compensation point

RE:

Running economy

RPE:

Rate of perceived exertion

RSI:

Reactive strength index

STG:

Strength training group

ST:

Strength training

\( {\dot{\text{V}}} \)O2max:

Maximal oxygen uptake

VM:

Vastus medialis

References

  • Aagaard P, Mayer F (2007) Neuronal adaptations to strength training. Deutsche Zeit Sport med 58(2):50–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Abbiss CR, Laursen PB (2008) Describing and understanding pacing strategies during athletic competition. Sports Med 38(3):239–252

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bar-Or O (1987) The Wingate anaerobic test: an update on methodology, reliability and validity. Sports Med 50:273–282

    Google Scholar 

  • Beattie K, Kenny IC, Lyons M, Carson BP (2014) The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes. Sports Med 44(6):845–865

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bertuzzi R, Pasqua LA, Bueno S, Damasceno MV, Lima-Silva AE, Bishop D, Tricoli V (2013) Strength-training with whole-body vibration in long-distance runners: a randomized trial. Int J Sports Med 34:917–923

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bertuzzi R, Lima-Silva AE, Pires FO, Damasceno MV, Bueno S, Pasqua LA, Bishop DJ (2014) Pacing strategy determinants during a 10-km running time trial: contributions of perceived effort, physiological, and muscular parameters. J Strength Cond Res 28(6):1688–1696

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Billat VL, Sirvent P, Lepretre PM, Koralsztein JP (2004) Training effect on performance, substrate balance and blood lactate concentration at maximal lactate steady state in master endurance runners. Pflugers Arch 447(6):875–883

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borg GA (1982) Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc 14(5):377–381

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown LE, Weir JP (2001) Procedures recommendation I: accurate assessment of muscular strength and power. J Exerc Physiol 4:1–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Brozek J, Grande F, Anderson JT, Keys A (1963) Densitometric analysis o body composition: revision of some quantitative assumptions. Ann NY Acad Sci 26(110):113–140

    Google Scholar 

  • Creer AR, Ricard MD, Conlee RK, Hoyt GL, Parcell AC (2004) Neural, metabolic, and performance adaptations to four weeks of high-intensity sprint-interval training in trained cyclists. Int J Sports Med 25:92–98

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Morree HM, Klein C, Marcora SM (2012) Perception of effort reflects central motor command during movement execution. Psychophysiology 49:1242–1253

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Docherty D, Sporer A (2000) Proposed model for examining the interference phenomenon between concurrent aerobic and strength training. Sports Med 30(6):385–394

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Faulkner J, Parfitt G, Eston R (2008) The rating of perceived exertion during competitive running scales with time. Psychophysiology 45:977–985

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gettman LR, Ayres JJ, Pollock ML, Jackson A (1978) The effect of circuit weight training on strength, cardiorespiratory function, and body composition of adult men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 10(3):171–176

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Komi PV (1983) Electromyographic changes during strength training and detraining. Med Sci Sports Exerc 15(6):455–460

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Howley ET, Bassett DR Jr, Welch HG (1995) Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake: review and commentary. Med Sci Sports Exerc 27:1292–1301

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hurley BF, Seals DR, Seals DR, Ehsani AA, Cartier LJ, Dalsky GP, Hagberg JM, Holloszy JO (1984) Effects of high-intensity strength training on cardiovascular function. Med Sci Sports Exerc 16(5):483–488

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson AS, Pollock ML (1985) Practical assessment of body composition. Phys Sports Med 19:76–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambert EV, St Clair Gibson A, Noakes TD (2005) Complex systems model of fatigue: integrative homoeostatic control of peripheral physiological systems during exercise in humans. Br J Sports Med 39:52–62

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lima-Silva AE, Bertuzzi RCM, Pires FO, Barros RV, Gagliardi JF, Hammond J, Kiss MA, Bishop DJ (2010) Effect of performance level on pacing strategy during a 10-km running race. Eur J Appl Physiol 108(5):1045–1053

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer T, Lucía A, Earnest CP, Kindermann W (2005) A conceptual framework for performance diagnosis and training prescription from submaximal gas exchange parameters—theory and application. Int J Sports Med 26:S38–S48

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mikkola J, Rusko H, Nummela A, Pollari T, Häkkinen K (2007) Concurrent endurance and explosive type strength training improves neuromuscular and anaerobic characteristics in young distance runners. Int J Sports Med 28:602–611

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mikkola J, Vesterinen V, Taipale R, Capostagno B, Häkkinen K, Nummela A (2011) Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners. J Sports Sci 29:1359–1371

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Noakes TD (1988) Implications of exercise testing for prediction of athletic performance: a contemporary perspective. Med Sci Sports Exerc 20:319–330

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Norton K, Olds T (1996) Measurement technique in anthropometry. In: Norton K, Olds T (eds) Anthropometrica. University of New South Wale Press, Sydney, pp 25–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Nummela A, Paavolainen LM, Sharwood KA, Lambert MI, Noakes TD, Rusko HK (2006) Neuromuscular factors determining 5 km running performance and running economy in well-trained athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 97:1–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paavolainen L, Hakkinen K, Hamalainen I, Nummela A, Rusko H (1999) Explosive-strength training improves 5-km running time by improving running economy and muscle power. J Appl Physiol 86(5):1527–1533

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pizza FX, Naglieri TA, Holtz RW, Mitchell JB, Starling RD, Phillips MD, Cavender DL, Braun WA (1996) Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit of resistance-trained men. Can J Appl Physiol 21(5):391–402

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rønnestad BR, Hansen J, Hollan I, Ellefsen S (2014) Strength training improves performance and pedaling characteristics in elite cyclists. Scand J Med Sci Sports 25(1):e89–e98

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schulz KF, Altman DG, Moher D (2010) CONSORT 2010 Statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials. PLoS Med 7(3):e1000251

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • St Clair Gibson A, Lambert EV, Rauch LH, Tucker R, Baden DA, Foster C, Noakes TD (2006) The role of information processing between the brain and peripheral physiological systems in pacing and perception of effort. Sports Med 36(8):705–722

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Storen O, Helgerud J, Stoa EM, Hoff J (2008) Maximal strength training improves running economy in distance runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 40:1087–1092

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taipale RS, Mikkola J, Nummela A, Vesterinen V, Capostagno B, Walker S, Gitonga D, Kraemer WJ, Häkkinen K (2010) Strength training in endurance runners. Int J Sports Med 31:468–476

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka H, Swensen T (1998) Impact of resistance training on endurance performance. A new form of cross-training? Sports Med 25(3):191–200

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thiel C, Foster C, Banzer W, De Koning J (2012) Pacing in Olympic track races: competitive tactics versus best performance strategy. J Sports Sci 30(11):1107–1115

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker R, Noakes TD (2009) The anticipatory regulation of performance: the physiological basis for pacing strategies and the development of a perception-based model for exercise performance. Br J Sports Med 43(6):392–400

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ulmer HV (1996) Concept of an extracellular regulation of muscular metabolic rate during heavy exercise in humans by psychophysiological feedback. Experientia 52(5):416–420

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Young WB, Behm DG (2003) Effects of running, static stretching and practice jumps on explosive force production and jumping performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 43:21–27

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank each of the individuals for their participation. The study was supported by grant from São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP 2011/10742-9). Mayara Vieira Damasceno is supported by a master scholarship from São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP 2013/00371-9).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endurance Performance Research Group, Department of Sport, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 65 – Butantã, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-030, Brazil

    Mayara V. Damasceno, Leonardo A. Pasqua & Rômulo Bertuzzi

  2. Sports Science Research Group, Academic Center of Vitoria (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Adriano E. Lima-Silva

  3. Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil

    Marcos Duarte

  4. Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University (VU), Melbourne, Australia

    David J. Bishop

  5. Department of Sport, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 65 – Butantã, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-030, Brazil

    Valmor Tricoli

Authors
  1. Mayara V. Damasceno
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Adriano E. Lima-Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Leonardo A. Pasqua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Valmor Tricoli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marcos Duarte
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. David J. Bishop
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Rômulo Bertuzzi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mayara V. Damasceno.

Additional information

Communicated by Guido Ferretti.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Damasceno, M.V., Lima-Silva, A.E., Pasqua, L.A. et al. Effects of resistance training on neuromuscular characteristics and pacing during 10-km running time trial. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 1513–1522 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3130-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3130-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation