The Effects of Incline and Level-Grade High-Intensity Interval Treadmill Training on Running Economy and Muscle Power in Well-Trained Distance Runners

• Autores: Derek D. Ferley, Roy W. Osborn, Matthew D. Vukovich
• Localización: Journal of strength and conditioning research: the research journal of the NSCA, ISSN 1064-8011, Vol. 28, Nº. 5, 2014, págs. 1298-1309
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Despite a paucity of evidence, uphill running has been touted as a sport-specific resistance-to-movement training tactic capable of enhancing metabolic, muscular, and neuromuscular processes in distance runners in ways similar to previously established resistance-to-movement training methods, such as heavy and/or explosive strength training and plyometric training. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation included documenting the effects of incline and level-grade interval treadmill training on indices of running economy (RE) (i.e., oxygen consumption [V[Combining Dot Above]O2] and blood lactate [BLa] responses of submaximal running) and muscle power. Thirty-two well-trained distance runners (age, 27.4 ± 3.8 years; body mass, 64.8 ± 8.9 kg; height, 173.6 ± 6.4 cm; and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, 60.9 ± 8.5 ml·min-1·kg-1) received assignment to an uphill (GHill = 12), level-grade (GFlat = 12), or control (GCon = 8) group. GHill and GFlat completed 12 interval and 12 continuous run sessions over 6 weeks, whereas GCon maintained their normal training. Dependent variables measured before and after training were V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and BLa at 2 separate velocities associated with lactate threshold (VLT) (V[Combining Dot Above]O2-60% and V[Combining Dot Above]O2-80%; and BLa-60% and BLa-80%, respectively); percentage of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max at lactate threshold (%V[Combining Dot Above]O2max at VLT); muscle power as assessed through a horizontal 5-jump test (5Jmax); and isokinetic knee extension and flexion at 3 angular velocities (90, 180, and 300°·s-1). Statistical significance was set to p <= 0.05. All groups significantly improved 5Jmax, V[Combining Dot Above]O2-60%, V[Combining Dot Above]O2-80%, BLa-60%, and BLa-80%. Additionally, GHill and GFlat significantly improved %V[Combining Dot Above]O2max at VLT. Other indices of RE and muscle power did not improve. We conclude incline treadmill training effective for improving the components of RE, but insufficient as a resistance-to-movement exercise for enhancing muscle power output.