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The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of intermittent sprint training and plyometric training on endurance running performance. Fourteen moderately trained male endurance runners were allocated into either the intermittent sprint training group (n = 7) or the plyometric training group (n = 7). The preliminary tests required subjects to perform a treadmill graded exercise test, a countermovement jump test for peak power measurement, and a 10-km time trial. Training included 12 sessions of either intermittent sprint or plyometric training carried out twice per week. On completion of the intervention, post-tests were conducted. Both groups showed significant reduction in weekly training mileage from pre-intervention during the intervention period. There were significant improvements in the 10-km time trial performance and peak power. There was also significant improvement in relative peak power for both groups. The 10-km time trial performance and relative peak power showed a moderate inverse correlation. These findings showed that both intermittent sprint and plyometric training resulted in improved 10-km running performance despite reduction in training mileage. The improvement in running performance was accompanied by an improvement in peak power and showed an inverse relationship with relative peak power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The use of oxygen cost ([Formula: see text]aero) parameters to predict endurance performance has recently been criticized. Instead, it is suggested that aerobic energy cost ([Formula: see text]) provides greater validity; however, a comparison of these quantification methods has not previously been made.Methods: Fifty-six male (n = 34) and female (n = 22) competitive adolescent (17 ± 1 years) middle-distance runners participated in a sub-maximal and maximal incremental treadmill test. Running economy (RE) was measured at the speed corresponding to lactate turnpoint, and the three speeds prior. Maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2max), speed at [Formula: see text]O2max and fraction of [Formula: see text]O2max utilized across a range of intensities, and speeds from 0.8, 1.5 and 3 km races were also quantified. RE and fractional utilization were calculated in units of [Formula: see text]aero and [Formula: see text]aero.Results: Multiple linear regression models demonstrated no discernible difference in the predictive capability of RE, fractional utilization and [Formula: see text]O2max when expressed as [Formula: see text]aero or [Formula: see text]aero in both sexes. When plotted as a function of running speed, [Formula: see text]aero displayed a stepwise decrease (F = 11.59, p < 0.001) whereas [Formula: see text]aero exhibited a curvilinear response (F = 4.74, p = 0.015). Differences were also evident in the slopes plotted for %[Formula: see text]O2max and %[Formula: see text]aeromax against running speed (F = 5.38, p = 0.021).Conclusions: Quantifying aerobic determinants of performance in units of [Formula: see text]aero provides no greater validity compared to [Formula: see text]aero-based measurement. Although both [Formula: see text]aero and [Formula: see text]aero are sensitive to changes in speed, [Formula: see text]aero provides the more valid reflection of the underlying metabolic cost of running. Physiologists should also be aware of the potential differences between expression of aerobic running intensity based upon %[Formula: see text]O2max compared to %[Formula: see text]aeromax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements in running economy (RE) are thought to lead to improvements in running performance (P). Multiple interventions have been designed with the aim of improving RE in middle and long-distance runners. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of interventions of at least 2-weeks' duration on RE and P and to determine whether there is a relationship between changes in RE (ΔRE) and changes in running performance (ΔP). A database search was carried out in Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. In accordance with a PRISMA checklist 10 studies reporting 12 comparisons between interventions and controls were included in the review. There was no correlation between percentage ΔRE and percentage ΔP (r = 0.46, P = 0.936, 12 comparisons). There was a low risk of reporting bias but an unclear risk of bias for other items. Meta-analyses found no statistically significant differences between interventions and controls for RE (SMD (95% CI) = −0.37 (−1.43, 0.69), 204 participants, p = 0.49) or for P (SMD (95% CI) = −0.65 (−26.02, 24.72, 204 participants, p = 0.99). There is a need for studies of greater statistical power, methodological quality, duration and homogeneity of intervention and population. Standardised measures of performance and greater control over non-intervention training are also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different combinations of blood flow restriction (BFR) pressure and exercise intensity on aerobic, anaerobic, and muscle strength adaptations in physically active collegiate women. Thirty-two women (age 22.8 ± 2.9 years; body mass index 22.3 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into four experimental training groups: (a) increasing BFR pressure with constant exercise intensity (IP-CE), (b) constant partial BFR pressure with increasing exercise intensity (CPp-IE), (c) constant complete BFR pressure with increasing exercise intensity (CPC-IE), and (d) increasing BFR pressure with increasing exercise intensity (IP-IE). The participants completed 12 training sessions comprised of repeated bouts of 2 min running on a treadmill with BFR interspersed by 1-min recovery without BFR. Participants completed a series of tests to assess muscle strength, aerobic, and anaerobic performances. Muscle strength, anaerobic power, and aerobic parameters including maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to fatigue (TTF), velocity at VO2max (vVO2max), and running economy (RE) improved in all groups (p ≤ 0.01). The CPC-IE group outscored the other groups in muscle strength, RE, and TTF (p < 0.05). In summary, participants with complete occlusion experienced the greatest improvements in muscle strength, aerobic, and anaerobic parameters possibly due to increased oxygen deficiency and higher metabolic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altitude training stimulates erythropoietin hormone (EPO) release and increases blood hemoglobin (Hb) mass, which may result in improved oxygen (O2) transport capacity. It was hypothesized in the present study that periodic inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) might elicit similar physiological adaptations compared to altitude training. Methods: Twelve male college student athletes, who were well-trained soccer players, participated. They performed a 4-week treadmill-training program, five times a week. Participants were randomly assigned into an experimental group with inhaling CO (INCO) (1 mL/kg body weight for 2 min) in O2 (4 L) before all training sessions and a control group without inhaling CO (NOCO). CO and EPO concentrations in venous blood were first measured acutely at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th hour after INCO, and total hemoglobin mass (tHb), running economy and VO2max were measured before and after the 4 weeks training intervention. Results: HbCO% increased from 0.7 to 4.4% (P < 0.05) after 1 h of CO inhalation and EPO increased from 1.9 to 2.7 mIU/mL after 4 h post CO inhalation (P < 0.05) acutely before the intervention. After the training, the tHb and VO2max in the INCO group increased significantly by 3.7 and 2.7%, respectively, while no significant differences were observed in the NOCO condition. O2 uptake at given submaximal speeds declined by approximately 4% in the INCO group. Conclusion: Acutely, EPO increased sharply post CO inhalation, peaking at 4 h post inhalation. 4-weeks of training with CO inhalation before exercise sessions improved tHb and VO2max as well as running economy, suggesting that moderate CO inhalation could be a new method to improve the endurance performance in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have shown that attentional focus instructions can effect running economy. This study assessed spiroergometry, as well as running kinematics as a possible mechanism to explain these effects. Twelve runners had to focus their attention on either their running movement, their breathing or on a video while running on a treadmill at a set, submaximum speed. Spiroergometry and running kinematics were measured. Results revealed worse running economy in both internal focus conditions (breathing and movement) compared to the external focus condition (video), replicating previous findings. In addition, vertical oscillation during the running movement was elevated in the movement compared to the video condition, indicating a less efficient running style. No changes in kinematics were found for the breathing compared to the video condition. Therefore, consciously focusing on the running movement moves runners away from their optimised running pattern and leads to detriments in economy. The decreases in running economy in the breathing condition can be better explained by changes in breathing patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Festa, L, Tarperi, C, Skroce, K, Boccia, G, Lippi, G, La Torre, A, and Schena, F. Effects of flywheel strength training on the running economy of recreational endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 684-690, 2019-Running economy (RE) has been defined as the most important determining factor in endurance performance in both elite and recreational runners. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of flywheel strength training (FST) and high-intensity training (HIT) protocols on RE and strength parameters in a group of recreational runners. Twenty-nine recreational runners were recruited to take part in the study and were randomly assigned to FST (n = 9; 44.5 ± 6.0 years; ...o2max 48.8 ± 5.2 ml⋅min-1 ⋅ kg-1), HIT (n = 9; 42.2 ± 8.6 years; ...o2max 50.3 ± 3.7 ml⋅min-1 ⋅ kg -1), or low-intensity training (LIT) (n = 11; 45.4 ± 8.0 years; ...o2max 50.2 ± 6.8 ml min-1 kg-1) groups. Before and after 8 weeks of an experimental period, maximal oxygen uptake (...o2max), ventilatory thresholds (VTs), maximal dynamic force (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), and anthropometric data were evaluated. The FST group showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in 1 RM and RE. No differences were found in the other groups. Significative changes are found for all groups on average speed on 2 and 10 km (p < 0.05). Anthropometric data were unchanged after the training period. The results of this study indicate that in recreational runners, FST seems able to obtain improvements in RE and neuromuscular adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training, footwear, nutrition, and racing strategies (i.e., drafting) have all been shown to reduce the metabolic cost of distance running (i.e., improve running economy). However, how these improvements in running economy (RE) quantitatively translate into faster running performance is less established. Here, we quantify how metabolic savings translate into faster running performance, considering both the inherent rate of oxygen uptake-velocity relation and the additional cost of overcoming air resistance when running overground. We collate and compare five existing equations for oxygen uptake-velocity relations across wide velocity ranges. Because the oxygen uptake vs. velocity relation is non-linear, for velocities slower than ∼3 m/s, the predicted percent improvement in velocity is slightly greater than the percent improvement in RE. For velocities faster than ∼3 m/s, the predicted percent improvement in velocity is less than the percent improvements in RE. At 5.5 m/s, i.e., world-class marathon pace, the predicted percent improvement in velocity is ∼2/3rds of the percent improvement in RE. For example, at 2:04 marathon pace, a 3% improvement in RE translates to a 1.97% faster velocity or 2:01:36, almost exactly equal to the recently set world record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study focused on the effects of shoe energy return and shoe longitudinal bending stiffness on the energetic cost and biomechanics of running.Methods: The energetic cost of running and biomechanical variables altering running economy (ground contact times, stride frequency, vertical and leg stiffness, ground reaction force impulses, alignment between the resultant ground reaction force and the leg) were measured for nineteen male recreational runners. Participants ran overground under their ventilatory anaerobic threshold (10.8 ± 1.1 km h-1 on average) using four shoe prototypes with features combining low or high magnitudes of energy return and longitudinal bending stiffness.Results: Neither the energy return, nor the longitudinal bending stiffness, or the interaction of these shoe features altered the energetic cost of running. High energy return shoes induced significant increased ground contact time from 274.5 ± 18.3 to 277.1 ± 18.7 ms, and significant decreased stride frequency from 1.34 ± 0.05 to 1.33 ± 0.05 Hz. High bending stiffness shoes induced significant increased ground contact time from 273.8 ± 18.2 to 277.9 ± 18.7 ms, significant increased vertical stiffness from 23.2 ± 3.4 to 23.8 ± 3.0 kN m-1, and significant decreased net vertical impulse from 245.4 ± 17.2 to 241.7 ± 17.5 BW ms.Conclusions: Increased energy return and longitudinal bending stiffness induced subtle changes in the running biomechanics, but did not induce any decrease in the energetic cost of running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some recreational runners participate in consecutive races within a short period. A high frequency of participation may not allow for sufficient recovery time, leading to overreaching. This case study reports on the training load, physiological variables, performance, and psychological state of a male recreational runner during a 16-week marathon season. The runner completed four marathon races over a period of eight weeks. Training load was quantified based on the cumulative time spent in three intensity zones (zone 1:the respiratory compensation point) using heart rate monitoring. The Hooper questionnaire was completed every morning to quantify sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness. The runner performed four identical treadmill running tests throughout the season. The coefficient of variation for maximal velocity and the physiological variables was 1.0% and 1.8%-5.2%, respectively. Pearson correlation showed significant relationships between training load and stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness. There was no significant relationship between training load and sleep. In conclusion, it appeared that the subject runner was able to complete four marathon races without overreaching. These findings suggest that the training load and Hooper questionnaire are practical tools for monitoring recreational runners during the marathon season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review was to investigate the changes in running economy (RE) elicited in long distance runners when plyometric training (PT) is undertaken in conjunction with endurance training. The review also aimed to determine the suitability of PT within a long-distance runners overall training program and practical implementation recommendations. A total of 10 research papers were identified in this review from the following electronic databases; SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and EBSCOhost (MEDLINE) from inception to March 2018. Keywords and phrases included in the search criteria included 'running economy', 'distance running', 'runners', 'long distance', 'endurance', 'plyometrics', and 'explosive training'. The use of PT in conjunction with endurance training was seen to improve RE and performance outcomes in recreational, moderately trained and highly trained long-distance runners with no recent history of participation in a structured PT program. Changes in RE are thought to be due to neuromuscular adaptations including increased muscle-tendon stiffness and increases in muscle power. Whilst the optimal training recommendations for the addition of PT to endurance training are yet to be determined, evidence suggests that 1-3 sessions per week comprising 1-6 PT exercises for a minimum of 6 weeks is desirable. PT training programs should begin with less complex exercises (double and single leg continuous vertical jumping) before progressing to exercises of higher complexity (alternate leg horizontal bounding, double and single leg continuous horizontal jumping over hurdles) and apply principles of progressive overload to reduce potential risk of injury and maximise training adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Purpose: To investigate the joint-specific contributions to the total lower-extremity joint work during a prolonged fatiguing run. Methods: Recreational long-distance runners (n = 13) and competitive long-distance runners (n = 12) performed a 10-km treadmill run with near-maximal effort. A three-dimensional motion capture system synchronized with a force-instrumented treadmill was used to calculate joint kinetics and kinematics of the lower extremity in the sagittal plane during the stance phase at 13 distance points over the 10-km run. Results: A significant (P < 0.05) decrease of positive ankle joint work as well as an increase of positive knee and hip joint work was found. These findings were associated with a redistribution of the individual contributions to total lower-extremity work away from the ankle toward the knee and hip joint which was more distinctive in the recreational runner group than in the competitive runner group. This redistribution was accomplished by significant (P < 0.05) reductions of the external ground-reaction force lever arm and joint torque at the ankle and by the significant (P < 0.05) increase of the external ground-reaction force lever arm and joint torque at the knee and hip. Conclusions: The redistribution of joint work from the ankle to more proximal joints might be a biomechanical mechanism that could partly explain the decreased running economy in a prolonged fatiguing run. This might be because muscle–tendon units crossing proximal joints are less equipped for energy storage and return compared with ankle plantar flexors and require greater muscle volume activation for a given force. To improve running performance, long-distance runners may benefit from an exercise-induced enhancement of ankle plantar flexor muscle–tendon unit capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The main objective of this research was to know how five different cushioning shoes may interfere in ground contact times of each gait phase of walking and running in contrast with barefoot condition. Thirty healthy sport recreational male runners participated in this study. They played over a treadmill wearing minimalist, Boost®, Ethyl-vinyl-acetate (EVA), Air® chamber and pronation-control cushioning shoes technologies and under barefoot condition, recording the last 30 s of walking and running at 5.17 km/h and 9 km/h respectively, while ground contact time duration of each phase of gait was recorded with circular standard pressure sensors located on plantar feet. During walking, the heel contact phase was the station that increased significantly ground contact times wearing all sole cushioning shoes (p < 0.001), excepting no sole shoes (minimalist), versus barefoot condition, being Air® chamber the model that showed the highest times of contact floor versus barefoot (0.28 ± 0.08 ms and 0.23 ± 0.12 ms vs 0.12 ± 0.07 ms and 0.18 ± 0.07 ms in heel contact during midstance phases, respectively). During running, propulsion phase was the station that showed the highest spent times on ground contact with the floor under all shoe conditions, even with minimalist, being again Air® chamber the model with higher significant times in two of three phases versus barefoot (0.11 ± 0.04 ms and 0.16 ± 0.11 ms vs 0.09 ± 0.03 ms and 0.10 ± 0.02 ms in midstance and propulsion phases respectively). Air chamber® was the model too with the most switch ratio to forefoot strike pattern (0.07 ± 0.10 ms to 0.16 ± 0.11 from heel contact to propulsion phase, respectively). In conclusion, a ground contact times increase using all cushioning running shoes compared with barefoot condition was shown in both walking and running test. Highlights • We have evaluated five different cushioning shoes in the gate phases. • Running shoes increase ground contact times compared to barefoot condition. • Cushioning shoes could to prevent or control the risk of legs problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine, from a crossover experimental design, whether wearing high-pressure compression garments (CGs) during downhill treadmill running affects soft-tissue vibrations, acute and delayed responses in running economy (RE), neuromuscular function, countermovement jump, and perceived muscle soreness. Methods: Thirteen male trail runners habituated to regular eccentric training performed two separate 40-min downhill running (DHR, –8.5°) sessions while wearing either CGs (15–20 mmHg for quadriceps and calves) or control garments (CON) at a velocity associated with ∼55% of VO2 max , with a set of measurements before (Pre-), after (Post-DHR), and 1 day after (Post-1D). No CGs was used within the recovery phase. Perceived muscle soreness, countermovement jump, and neuromuscular function (central and peripheral components) of knee extensors (KE) and plantar flexors (PF) were assessed. Cardiorespiratory responses (e.g., heart rate, ventilation) and RE, as well as soft-tissue vibrations (root mean square of the resultant acceleration, RMS Ar) for vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius medialis were evaluated during DHR and in Post-1D. Results: During DHR, mean values in RMS Ar significantly increased over time for the vastus lateralis only for the CON condition (+11.6%). RE and cardiorespiratory responses significantly increased (i.e., alteration) over time in both conditions. Post, small to very large central and peripheral alterations were found for KE and PF in both conditions. However, the deficit in voluntary activation (VA) was significantly lower for KE following CGs (–2.4%), compared to CON (–7.9%) conditions. No significant differences in perceived muscle soreness and countermovement jump were observed between conditions whatever the time period. Additionally, in Post-1D, the CGs condition showed reductions in neuromuscular peripheral alterations only for KE (from –4.4 to –7.7%) and perceived muscle soreness scores (–8.3%). No significant differences in cardiorespiratory and RE responses as well as countermovement jump were identified between conditions in Post-1D. Discussion: Wearing high-pressure CGs (notably on KE) during DHR was associated with beneficial effects on soft-tissue vibrations, acute and delayed neuromuscular function, and perceived muscle soreness. The use of CGs during DHR might contribute to the enhanced muscle recovery by exerting an exercise-induced "mechanical protective effect." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to study the effects of a 6-session (one per week) WB-EMS training intervention on maximum oxygen uptake, aerobic and gas exchange thresholds, running economy, and muscular power in male recreational runners. Twelve men were randomized into WB-EMS intervention (n = 6; 27.0 ± 7.5 years; 70.1 ± 11.1 kg; 1.75 ± 0.5 m) or control (n = 6; 27.0 ± 6.1 years; 73.6 ± 3.4 kg; 1.77 ± 0.3 m). The WB-EMS group reduced the running training frequency to one per week and followed one WB-EMS training session per week during 6 weeks. Participants in the control group maintained their usual running endurance training. Each participant completed four assessments: physiological parameters [(i) VO2max, aerobic and gas exchange threshold values, and (ii) running economy at two intensities], muscular power (vertical jump), and anthropometric parameters both at baseline and after the intervention. Participants in the WB-EMS group improved VO2max, aerobic and gas exchange threshold values, running economy, and vertical jump (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. There, WB-EMS seems to be an effective training methodology leading to improvements in performance during endurance training volume reduction in male recreational runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the aerobic fitness of triathletes comparing with long-distance runners with the same level of running performance. Thirteen male university endurance athletes were divided into two groups ; long-distance runners and triathletes. The subjects performed maximal and submaximal treadmill running test to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (V4 O2max) and running economy (RE). The V4 O2max (ml/kg/min) in triathletes was lower than that in the runners (p = 0.08, d = 1.18). The RE (ml/kg/km) in triathletes was higher than that in the runners (p = 0.05, d = 1.34). This study suggests that the difference of aerobic fitness between two homogeneous groups is caused by running form and the training with preceding exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dellagrana, RA, Rossato, M, Sakugawa, RL, Baroni, BM, and Diefenthaeler, F. Photobiomodulation therapy on physiological and performance parameters during running tests: Dose–response effects. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2807–2815, 2018—This study was aimed at verifying effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with different energy doses (15, 30, and 60 J per site) on physiological and performance parameters during running tests. Fifteen male recreational runners participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. They performed testing protocol in 5 sessions with different treatments: control, placebo, and PBMT with 15, 30, or 60 J per site (14 sites in each lower limb). Physiological and performance variables were assessed during submaximal (at 8 and 9 km·h−1) and maximal running tests. Photobiomodulation therapy with 30 J significantly improved running economy (RE) at 8 and 9 km·h−1 (3.01%, p=0.008 and 3.03%, p=0.009, respectively), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at 8 km/h21 (7.86%, p=0.033), velocity at V̇ o 2max (3.07%, p= 0.029), peak of velocity (PV) (1.49%, p=0.035), and total time to exhaustion (TTE) (3.41%, p=0.036) compared with placebo. Photobiomodulation therapy with 15 J improved running economy at 9 km/h21 (2.98%, p=0.025), rate of perceived exertion at 8 km/h21 (4.80%, p=0.010), PV (1.33%, p=0.008), total time to exhaustion (3.06%, p=0.008), and total distance (4.01%, p=0.011) compared with the placebo; whereas PBMT with 60 J only increased RE at 9 km/h21 (3.87%, p=0.024) compared with placebo. All PBMT doses positively affected physiological and/or performance parameters; however, magnitude-based inference reported that PBMT applied with 30 J led to more beneficial effects than 15 and 60 J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schaun, GZ, Pinto, SS, Silva, MR, Dolinski, DB, and Alberton, CL. Sixteen weeks of whole-body high-intensity interval training induce similar cardiorespiratory responses compared with traditional high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training in healthy men. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2730–2742, 2018—Low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols that use the body weight as resistance could be an interesting and inexpensive alternative to traditional ergometer-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT-T) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Therefore, our aim was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of whole-body HIIT (HIIT-WB), HIIT-T, and MICT on maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o 2max), second ventilatory threshold (VT2), and running economy (RE) outcomes. Fifty-five healthy men (23.7 ± 0.7 years, 1.79 ± 0.01 m, 78.5 ± 1.7 kg) were randomized into 3 training groups (HIIT-T = 17; HIIT-WB = 19; MICT = 19) for 16 weeks (3× per week). The HIIT-T group performed eight 20-second bouts at 130% of the velocity associated to V̇ o 2max (vV̇ o 2max) interspersed by 10-second passive recovery on a treadmill, whereas HIIT-WB group performed the same protocol but used calisthenics exercises at an all-out intensity instead of treadmill running. Finally, MICT group exercised for 30 minutes at 90–95% of the heart rate (HR) associated to VT2. After the intervention, all groups improved V̇ o 2max, vV̇ o 2max, time to exhaustion (Tmax), VT2, velocity associated with VT2 (vVT2), and time to reach VT2 (tVT2) significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, Tmax, vVT2, and tVT2 were greater after HIIT-T compared with HIIT-WB (p < 0.05), whereas oxygen uptake increased and HR decreased during the RE test in all groups (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that HIIT-WB can be as effective as traditional HIIT while also being time-efficient compared with MICT to improve health-related outcomes after 16 weeks of training. However, HIIT-T and MICT seem preferable to enhance performance-related outcomes compared with HIIT-WB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence supports the implementation of concurrent strength and running training, within the same mesocycle, to improve performances in middle- and long-distance events. However, very little is known about the effects of concurrent training cessation. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the effects of 4 weeks of explosive strength training cessation after an 8-week concurrent training protocol. Eight runners completed this study, which first included either plyometric (n = 4) or dynamic weight training (n = 4) in addition to the usual running regimen. Explosive strength training was thereafter interrupted for 4 weeks, during which running sessions were maintained. Participants were tested at baseline, after concurrent training and after concurrent training cessation. The results suggest that the energy cost of running improvements observed after the intervention (−5.75%; 95% CI = −8.47 to −3.03) were maintained once explosive strength training was interrupted (−6.31%; 95% CI = −10.30 to −2.32). The results also suggest that neuromuscular performances were maintained after 4 weeks of concurrent training cessation, especially when tests were specific to the training intervention. Furthermore, a 3000m time trial revealed a similar pattern, with improvements after the concurrent mesocycle (−2.40%; 95% CI = −4.65 to −0.16) and after concurrent training cessation (−4.43%; 95% CI = −6.83 to −2.03). Overall, only trivial changes were observed for aerobic endurance and V˙O2peak. Together, these results suggest that short-term explosive strength training cessation might be beneficial and could be considered as a taper strategy for middle-distance runners. However, coaches and athletes must interpret these results cautiously considering the study’s low sample size and the very limited available literature in this domain.

Calcineurin, which functions in calcium signaling, is expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle and has been linked to sensitivity to muscle strength training. It is also proposed to contribute to individual aerobic endurance. To investigate the relationship between calcineurin-encoding genes and aerobic endurance traits, 126 young-adult Han Chinese males were enrolled in an aerobic exercise training study. Participants were genotyped for polymorphisms within the 5 genes (PPP3CA, PPP3CB, PPP3CC, PPP3R1 and PPP3R2) encoding calcineurin using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Participants underwent 18 weeks of aerobic exercise training (running). Before and after the training period, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and 12 km/h running economy were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test and analysis of variance. The baseline value of VO2max was significantly associated with rs3804423 and rs2850965 loci in the PPP3CA gene (P

Running economy (RE), expresses the relationship between the energy cost of running (Cr) and the work performed by a runner and is an predictor of performance. Given the intense effort of marathon runners during training and competition and the dearth of studies that address performance and cytokines in this population, the objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship between RE and cytokines in marathon runners.

Background: Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmills can be used in rehabilitation programs and/or to supplement run mileage in healthy runners by reducing the effective body weight and impact associated with running. The purpose of this study is to determine if body weight support influences the stride length (SL)–velocity as well as leg impact acceleration relationship during running. Methods: Subjects (n = 10, 21.4 ± 2.0 years, 72.4 ± 10.3 kg, 1.76 ± 0.09 m) completed 16 run conditions consisting of specific body weight support and velocity combinations. Velocities tested were 100%, 110%, 120%, and 130% of the preferred velocity (2.75 ± 0.36 m/s). Body weight support conditions consisted of 0, 60%, 70%, and 80% body weight support. SL and leg impact accelerations were determined using a light-weight accelerometer mounted on the surface of the anterior-distal aspect of the tibia. A 4 × 4 (velocity × body weight support) repeated measures ANOVA was used for each dependent variable (α = 0.05). Results: Neither SL nor leg impact acceleration were influenced by the interaction of body weight support and velocity (p > 0.05). SL was least during no body weight support (p 0.05). Leg impact acceleration was greatest during no body weight support (p 0.05). SL and leg impact accelerations increased with velocity regardless of support (p

This study examined physiological and race pace characteristics of medium- (finish time < 240 min) and low-level (finish time > 240 min) recreational runners who participated in a challenging marathon route with rolling hills, the Athens Authentic Marathon. Fifteen athletes (age: 42 ± 7 years) performed an incremental test, three to nine days before the 2018 Athens Marathon, to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), energy cost of running (ECr) and lactate threshold velocity (vLTh), and were analyzed for their pacing during the race. Moderate- (n = 8) compared with low-level (n = 7) runners had higher (p < 0.05) VO2 max (55.6 ± 3.6 vs. 48.9 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1·min−1), MAV (16.5 ± 0.7 vs. 14.4 ± 1.2 km·h−1) and vLTh (11.6 ± 0.8 vs. 9.2 ± 0.7 km·h−1) and lower ECr at 10 km/h (1.137 ± 0.096 vs. 1.232 ± 0.068 kcal·kg−1·km−1). Medium-level runners ran the marathon at a higher percentage of vLTh (105.1 ± 4.7 vs. 93.8 ± 6.2%) and VO2 max (79.7 ± 7.7 vs. 68.8 ± 5.7%). Low-level runners ran at a lower percentage (p < 0.05) of their vLTh in the 21.1–30 km (total ascent/decent: 122 m/5 m) and the 30–42.195 km (total ascent/decent: 32 m/155 m) splits. Moderate-level runners are less affected in their pacing than low-level runners during a marathon route with rolling hills. This could be due to superior physiological characteristics such as VO2 max, ECr, vLTh and fractional utilization of VO2 max. A marathon race pace strategy should be selected individually according to each athlete’s level.

Within this study the aim is to measure running workload and relevant running technique key points on varying cadence in recreational runners using a custom build sensor system ‘Nodes’. Seven participants ran on a treadmill at a self-chosen comfortable speed. Cadence was randomly guided by a metronome using 92%, 96%, 100%, 104%, and 108% of the preferred cadence in 2-min trials. Workload was measured by collecting the heart rate and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE 1 to 10) scores. Heart rate data shows that the 100% cadence trial was most economical with a relative heart rate of 99.2%. The 108% cadence trial had the lowest relative RPE score with 96.2%. The sample rate of the Nodes system during this experiment was too low to analyze the key points. Three requirements are proposed for the further engineering of a wearable running system, (i) sampling frequency of minimal 50 Hz, (ii) step-by-step analysis, and (iii) collecting workload in the heart rate and RPE.

The popularity of whole-body electromyostimulation is growing during the last years, but there is a shortage of studies that evaluate its effects on physical fitness and sport performance. In this study, we compared the effects of a periodized and functional whole-body-electromyostimulation training on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), running economy (RE), and lower-body muscle strength in runners, vs. a traditional whole-body-electromyostimulation training. A total of 12 male recreational runners, who had been running 2–3 times per week (90–180 min/week) for at least the previous year and had no previous experience on WB-EMS training, were enrolled in the current study. They were randomly assigned to a periodized and functional whole-body-electromyostimulation training group (PFG) (n = 6; 27.0 ± 7.5 years; 70.1 ± 11.1 kg; 1.75 ± 0.05 m) whose training program involved several specific exercises for runners, or a traditional whole-body-electromyostimulation training group (TG) (n = 6; 25.8 ± 7.4 years; 73.8 ± 9.8 kg; 1.73 ± 0.07 m), whose sessions were characterized by circuit training with 10 dynamic and general exercises without external load. The training programs consisted of one whole-body electromyostimulation session and one 20-min running session per week, during 6 weeks. The PFG followed an undulating periodization model and a selection of functional exercises, whereas the TG followed a traditional session structure used in previous studies. Both groups were instructed to stop their habitual running training program. VO2max, VT1, VT2, RE, and lower body muscle strength (vertical jump) were measured before and after the intervention. The PFG obtained significantly higher improvements when compared with the TG in terms of VO2max (2.75 ± 0.89 vs. 1.03 ± 1.01 ml/kg/min, P = 0.011), VT2 (2.95 ± 1.45 vs. 0.35 ± 0.85 ml/kg/min, P = 0.005), VO2max percentage at VT2 (5.13 ± 2.41 vs. 0.63 ± 1.61%), RE at VT1 (−7.70 ± 2.86 vs. −3.50 ± 2.16 ml/kg/km, P = 0.048), RE at 90% of VT2 (−15.38 ± 4.73 vs. −3.38 ± 4.11 ml/kg/km, P = 0.005), and vertical jump in Abalakov modality (2.95 ± 0.94 vs. 0.52 ± 1.49 cm, P = 0.008). Therefore, we conclude that running performance improvements were better after a 6-week program following an undulating periodization and consisting on functional exercises when compared with a 6-week traditional WB-EMS program.

The presence of fatigue has been shown to modify running biomechanics. Overall in terms of gender, women are at lower risk than men for sustaining running-related injuries, although it depends on the factors taken into account. One possible reason for these differences in the injury rate and location might be the dissimilar running patterns between men and women. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fatigue and gender on the kinematic and ground reaction forces (GRF) parameters in recreational runners. Fifty-seven participants (28 males and 29 females) had kinematic and GRF variables measured while running at speed of 3.3 m s−1 before and after a fatigue test protocol. The fatigue protocol included (1) a running Course-Navette test, (2) running up and down a flight of stairs for 5 min, and (3) performance of alternating jumps on a step (five sets of 1 minute each with 30 resting seconds between the sets). Fatigue decreased dorsiflexion (14.24 ± 4.98° in pre-fatigue and 12.65 ± 6.21° in fatigue condition, p

This study analyzed the influence of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on the pacing strategy adopted by runners during a 5-km running trial. Sixteen male recreational long-distance runners were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n=8) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n=8). The HIIT group performed high-intensity interval-training twice per week, while the CON group maintained their regular training program. Before and after the training period, the runners performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to measure the onset of blood lactate accumulation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and peak treadmill speed (PTS). A submaximal constant-speed test to measure the running economy (RE) and a 5-km running trial on an outdoor track to establish pacing strategy and performance were also done. During the 5-km running trial, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to cover the 5-km trial (T5) were registered. After the training period, there were significant improvements in the HIIT group of ∼7 and 5% for RE (P=0.012) and PTS (P=0.019), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for VO2max (P=0.495) or onset of blood lactate accumulation (P=0.101). No difference was found in the parameters measured during the 5-km trial before the training period between HIIT and CON (P>0.05). These findings suggest that 4 weeks of HIIT can improve some traditional physiological variables related to endurance performance (RE and PTS), but it does not alter the perception of effort, pacing strategy, or overall performance during a 5-km running trial.

Given the ongoing interest in ways to improve the specificity of testing elite athletes in their natural environment, portable metabolic systems provide an opportunity to assess metabolic demand of exercise in sport-specific settings. Running economy (RE) and maximal oxygen uptake ( ·VO 2 max) were compared between track and treadmill (1% inclination) conditions in competitive level European distance runners who were fully habituated to treadmill running (n = 13). All runners performed an exercise test on running track and on treadmill. While ·VO 2 max was similar on the track and on the treadmill (68.5 ± 5.3 vs. 71.4 ± 6.4 ml∙kg -1 ∙min -1 , p = 0.105, respectively), superior RE was found on the track compared to the treadmill (215.4 ± 12.4 vs. 236.8 ± 18.0 O2 ml∙kg -1 ∙km -1 , p < 0.001). RE on the track was strongly correlated with RE on the treadmill (r = 0.719, p = 0.006). The present findings indicate that high-level distance runners have significantly better RE but not ·VO2max on the track compared to treadmill. This difference may be due to biomechanical adjustments. As RE is strongly correlated between the two conditions, it would be reasonable to assume that interventions affecting RE on the treadmill will also affect RE on the track.