In the most endurance events, strength/speed/anaerobic characteristics have become increasingly important for endurance athletes when sprinting at the end of a race. Previous studies have shown that strength training could have positive impact for the endurance athletes` sprint abilities at the end of the racea,b. The aim of this study was to find out if eight weeks planned strength training affected to endurance athletes` capabilities at the end of the race. Endurance athletes (n = 18) completed eight-week strength training intervention (maximal and plyometrics). Before and after the intervention, athletes completed two testing days. At first day, athletes made VO2max, countermovement jumps (CMJ, before and after the VO2max test) and anaerobic capacity test (135 % of vVO2max). In the second day, body composition, maximal leg press strength, standing long jump, maximal running speed were measured as well as simulated racing test where the end of sprint was measured. 5RM half squat was measured every second week. The end of sprint speed improved (p < 0.05). CMJ improved before (p < 0.01) and after VO2max test (p < 0.05) between pre- and post-tests. Anaerobic capacity test time (p < 0.01), 1RM leg press (p < 0.05) and standing long jump (p < 0.001) improved between test pre- and post-tests. 5RM half squat improved between the second and eight weeks (p < 0.001). Present strength training had a positive impact to the final sprint capabilities in endurance athletes.It could be speculated that even a small improvement in sprint capability will have a critical impact for athlete who is competing in a high level where differences between athletes are extremely small. Based on this study, strength training could improve sprinting abilities in endurance athletes. Contact. Varjus, Riikka; Ahtiainen, Juha: Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland; Mikkola; Jussi: KIHU-Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland
© Copyright 2020 19th International Symposium "Modern Science and Practice for Strength and Endurance Training" October 10-12, 2018. Veröffentlicht von Neuromuscular Research Center and Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.