Combined strength and endurance training can develop strength and endurance performance of endurance athletes just as well or better than endurance training alone. Also short 30 seconds power cycling intervals have shown to increase long-term endurance performance. However, efficacy of short high resistance bike intervals (< 15 sec) that demands high neuromuscular capacity, have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of bike strength intervals and gym strength exercises on cyclists` performance. Forty-one male cyclists (21-46 years) volunteered to the study. Subjects were divided into a gym training group (GG), bike strength training group (BG) or an endurance training control group (CG) and performed supervised training for 10 weeks. In GG, maximal lower body strength training (3-6 RM) was performed while in BG short strength-type intervals by Wattbike (3x3x6-12 sec, 78-90 % maximum power) were performed. Maximal isometric and dynamic leg press, countermovement jumping height, VO2max as well as, 30-min time trial test and aUCI cycling test (2x6 sec, 30 sec and 4min tests) were performed both before and after the training. Furthermore, EMG (right leg) and muscle thickness of vastus lateralis (by ultrasound) were assessed. BG showed greater improvements in 30s average power, 30 min average power and bilateral isometric leg press (p<.05-.001) than GG. GG improved leg press and unilateral dynamic 1RM (p<.01-.001) more than BG (p<.05-.001). BG improved cycling performance better than GG via its sport specificity. It should be noted that the present BG training was more anaerobic than GG that aimed to improvements in neuromuscular performance. Therefore, GG and BG training methods could be complementary to each other. In light of the present study, BG training could be recommended for example transferring benefits of gym strength training to the cycling performance. Contact: Halme, Samuel; Malmstedt, Lauri; Ahtiainen, Juha: Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland; Schumann Moritz: Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany; Cheung, Stephen: Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
© 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.