| dc.description.abstract | Background Middle- and long-distance running performance is constrained by several important aerobic and
anaerobic parameters. The efficacy of strength training
(ST) for distance runners has received considerable attention in the literature. However, to date, the results of these
studies have not been fully synthesized in a review on the
topic.
Objectives This systematic review aimed to provide a
comprehensive critical commentary on the current literature that has examined the effects of ST modalities on the
physiological determinants and performance of middleand long-distance runners, and offer recommendations for
best practice.
Methods Electronic databases were searched using a
variety of key words relating to ST exercise and distance
running. This search was supplemented with citation
tracking. To be eligible for inclusion, a study was required
to meet the following criteria: participants were middle- or
long-distance runners with C 6 months experience, a ST
intervention (heavy resistance training, explosive resistance training, or plyometric training) lasting C 4 weeks
was applied, a running only control group was used, data
on one or more physiological variables was reported. Two
independent assessors deemed that 24 studies fully met the
criteria for inclusion. Methodological rigor was assessed
for each study using the PEDro scale.
Results PEDro scores revealed internal validity of 4, 5, or
6 for the studies reviewed. Running economy (RE) was
measured in 20 of the studies and generally showed
improvements (2–8%) compared to a control group,
although this was not always the case. Time trial (TT)
performance (1.5–10 km) and anaerobic speed qualities
also tended to improve following ST. Other parameters
[maximal oxygen uptake (V_O2max), velocity at V_O2max,
blood lactate, body composition] were typically unaffected
by ST.
Conclusion Whilst there was good evidence that ST
improves RE, TT, and sprint performance, this was not a
consistent finding across all works that were reviewed.
Several important methodological differences and limitations are highlighted, which may explain the discrepancies
in findings and should be considered in future investigations in this area. Importantly for the distance runner,
measures relating to body composition are not negatively impacted by a ST intervention. The addition of two to three
ST sessions per week, which include a variety of ST
modalities are likely to provide benefits to the performance
of middle- and long-distance runners | en_US |
