Strength training improves cycling efficiency in master endurance athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Aging Research

Background:

• Master athletes often experience age-related declines in muscle strength and cycling efficiency.
• Endurance training alone may not fully mitigate these age-related performance decrements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a 3-week knee extensor strength training program on cycling delta efficiency in master endurance athletes.
• To compare the effects of strength training on muscle strength and cycling performance between master and young endurance athletes.

Main Methods:

• Nine master and eight young endurance athletes underwent a 3-week strength training program targeting knee extensor muscles.
• Training involved three weekly sessions of 10x10 knee extensions at 70% of maximal repetition.
• Maximal voluntary contraction torque, force endurance, and cycling delta efficiency were assessed pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• Master athletes exhibited lower baseline strength and cycling efficiency compared to young athletes.
• Strength training significantly improved maximal voluntary contraction torque in both groups, with a more pronounced effect in masters.
• Cycling delta efficiency significantly increased in master athletes post-training, with only a trend observed in young athletes.

Conclusions:

• A brief strength training intervention can significantly enhance muscle strength and cycling efficiency in master endurance athletes.
• Strength training effectively counteracts age-related declines in muscle performance and cycling economy.
• Combining endurance training with targeted strength training is beneficial for master athletes' performance.