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Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
In-season strength maintenance training increases well-trained cyclists' performance
Bent R Rønnestad1, Ernst Albin Hansen, Truls Raastad
1Lillehammer University College, P.B. 952, 2604, Lillehammer, Norway. bent.ronnestad@hil.no
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|August 28, 2010
Summary
Strength maintenance training helps cyclists preserve muscle gains and boost performance during competition. This training enhances leg strength and cycling power output, leading to improved overall performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Cycling Performance
Background:
- Endurance training is standard for cyclists.
- The role of strength training during competition periods is less understood.
- Maintaining strength gains is crucial for sustained performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of strength maintenance training on well-trained cyclists.
- To assess impacts on muscle size, strength, and cycling performance.
- To compare training with and without strength maintenance during competition.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of cyclists: endurance plus strength (E+S) and endurance only (E).
- E+S group had heavy strength training twice weekly in prep, then once weekly maintenance.
- Measurements included thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), leg strength (1RM), and various cycling performance tests.
Main Results:
- E+S group showed increased thigh muscle CSA and 1RM after the preparatory period.
- Both groups improved maximal oxygen consumption and mean power output.
- E+S maintained CSA and strength gains during the competition period.
- E+S demonstrated greater improvements in peak power output, power output at 2 mmol/L lactate, maximal aerobic power, and mean power output compared to E.
Conclusions:
- Strength maintenance training preserves muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in cyclists.
- It further enhances key determinants of cycling performance and overall performance during competition.
- Incorporating strength maintenance is beneficial for well-trained cyclists during their competitive season.
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