Affiliations: [a] Exercise and Sport Research Centre, School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, UK | [b] School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Mark De Ste Croix, School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Oxstalls Campus, Oxstalls Lane, Gloucester GL2 9HW, UK. Tel.: +44 01242 715159; Fax: +44 01242715222; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Studies in adults have shown benefits in endurance
performance by combining aerobic and resistance training. However, whether
concurrent strength and aerobic training is beneficial in children remains
to be identified. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a
10 week aerobic training programme compared to a concurrent aerobic and
resistance training programme on leg strength, fat free mass (%FFM),
forced vital capacity (FVC) and 3 km-running performance in youth athletes. METHODS: Twelve trained youth competitive runners were pair matched
into either an aerobic (AT) or concurrent (CT) training group based on
maturational status and initial 3 km-running performance. The aerobic
training consisted of continuous and interval training twice weekly for all
participants. The CT group additionally performed resistance training twice
weekly. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
differences between groups for any parameters pre-training. Significant
correlations were found between 3 km-running performance and leg strength,
FVC and %FFM. No significant interaction or main effects for any of the
key outcome variables were found. There was however, a 38 s group difference
in 3 km-running time post intervention indicating some interference of the
resistance training on ERP. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that concurrent endurance and
resistance training should be avoided in trained youth athletes.
Keywords: Training, 3-km running, body composition, lung function, isokinetic strength
