Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 12(5):288–295, OCTOBER 2002
PMID: 12383074
Issn Print: 0905-7188
Publication Date: October 2002
Maximal strength training improves aerobic endurance performance
J. Hoff;A. Gran;J. Helgerud;
+ Author Information
1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway2Department of Sport Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to examine the effects of maximal strength training with emphasis on neural adaptations on strength- and endurance-performance for endurance trained athletes. Nineteen male cross-country skiers about 19.7 ± 4.0 years of age and a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of 69.4 ± 2.2 mL × kg−1 × min−1 were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 10). Strength training was performed, three times a week for 8 weeks, using a cable pulley simulating the movements in double poling in cross-country skiing, and consisted of three sets of six repetitions at a workload of 85% of one repetition maximum emphasizing maximal mobilization of force in the concentric movement. One repetition maximum improved significantly from 40.3 ± 4.5 to 44.3 ± 4.9 kg. Time to peak force (TPF) was reduced by 50 and 60% on two different submaximal workloads. Endurance performance measured as time to exhaustion (TTE) on a double poling ski ergometer at maximum aerobic velocity, improved from 6.49 to 10.18 min; 20.5% over the control group. Work economy changed significantly from 1.02 ± 0.14 to 0.74 ± 0.10 mL × kg−0.67 × min−1. Maximal strength training with emphasis on neural adaptations improves strength, particularly rate of force development, and improves aerobic endurance performance by improved work economy.
