Power and Endurance: Polar Opposites or Willing Partners?

Peak neuromuscular power and endurance are distinct qualities of dynamic exercise performance. Dynamometry is used to assess peak neuromuscular power, often during performance across a single joint, for example, isotonic or isokinetic torque, whereas aptitude for endurance exercise may be inferred by measurement of critical power/speed or cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine, for example, gas exchange threshold (GET), maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O 2max ), and exercise economy. Specificity is a critical component of any training program, but oversimplification of the specificity principle has contributed to the view that training adaptations to increase peak neuromuscular power or the ability to endure high power outputs are mutually exclusive, due to (i) differences in the types of motor units recruited and their patterns of activation and (ii) induction of distinct, antagonistic molecular signaling pathways in response to resistance and endurance exercise training (the "interference effect").This review explores evidence for reciprocation between peak neuromuscular power and endurance performance in sport, aging, and among general and clinical populations. We also review the molecular events that mediate peak neuromuscular power and endurance training adaptations and their interactions. Finally, we describe the musculo-cardio-pulmonary exercise test (mCPET) to demonstrate that peak neuromuscular power and aerobic mediators of endurance performance are less polar opposites and more willing partners.