Does Characterizing Global Running Pattern Help to Prescribe Individualized Strength Training in Recreational...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Concurrent training, combining endurance and strength work, is popular among runners.
• Individual running patterns, categorized as aerial (AER) or terrestrial (TER), may influence training responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if concurrent training, matched to an individual's global running pattern, enhances running economy (RE) more than non-matched training.
• To compare the effects of plyometric (PLY) versus dynamic weight training (DWT) within matched and non-matched concurrent training programs.

Main Methods:

• 37 recreational runners were classified as AER or TER using the Volodalen® method.
• Participants underwent an 8-week concurrent training program, randomly assigned to matched (e.g., DWT for TER) or non-matched (e.g., DWT for AER) groups.
• Running economy (RE), maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), and peak treadmill speed (PTS) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• All participants showed significant improvements in RE, V̇O2max, and PTS (p ≤ 0.003) after the training intervention.
• No significant differences in performance improvements or responder rates were found between the matched and non-matched training groups (p ≥ 0.248).
• No significant group or interaction effects were observed for any performance variables (p ≥ 0.436).

Conclusions:

• Prescribing plyometric or dynamic weight training based on an individual's global running pattern, alongside endurance training, does not yield superior improvements in running economy for recreational runners.
• Concurrent training programs generally improve running performance, irrespective of pattern matching.