All About Running > Running 101 > Maximal Strength Training Improves Running Economy
Pages: 1
Maximal Strength Training Improves Running Economy (Read 452 times)
Beatin' on the Rock
posted: 5/16/2008 at 7:31 PM
For further debate: Big grin

Researchers from Norway have strengthened the ties between maximal strength training and running economy. Running economy is one of three components essential to performing well, the other two being maximal oxygen consumption and lactate threshold.

Well-trained male and female runners either participated in strength training 3 times per week for 8-weeks or served as controls. The strength training group performed 4 sets of 4 repetition maximum (RM) half-squats. Both groups completed their normal endurance training routines.

The strength training group increased their 1RM in the half-squat by 33.2%. Their rate of force development increased by 26%, their running economy improved by 5%, and their time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed improved by 21.3%. VO2max and bodyweight remained unchanged.

Because endurance activities are mostly dependent on aerobic metabolism it would seem to make sense to think that performance would be determined by training the aerobic energy systems. However, the ability to produce joint actions at submaximal intensities, as in running, is related to maximal strength. This study has supported the need for strength training in the runner and has also found that running does not interfere with the ability to gain strength.

Storen, O. et al (2008-) Maximal Strength Training Improves Running Economy in Distance Runners. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. May 2. (ePub ahead of print)
Be yourself.
Those that matter, don't mind.
Those that mind, don't matter.
view log
Got The Life
posted: 5/16/2008 at 8:37 PM
This does not surprise me. But the question is: did the subjects gain speed? What are the numbers?
The Gaijin Samurai. a.k.a The attorney dissin' attorney. Read and Listen
Scout7
view log
CPT Curmudgeon
posted: 5/16/2008 at 8:43 PM
How did they measure running economy? What does a gain of 5% equate to in terms of overall performance? What sort of running training was undertaken by both groups?

Are there other, more sport-specific methods of strength training that have greater benefits?
Amat victoria curam.

Sine labore nihil.

Dulcius ex asperis.
view log
Hawt and sexy
posted: 5/16/2008 at 10:00 PM
Need more than the abstract please. Got a link to the full study lying around anywhere?
All your base are belong to us.
view log
posted: 5/17/2008 at 5:44 PM
Why would anyone do half squats? Full range of motion please... Oh wait, now I remember because full ROM hurts the kness, just like running.
Jim Mcintire Half Marathon, May 17th, Fast Finish Progression <1:56
Grandma's Marathon, June 21st, <4:00:00
Two Town Ten Trillion Nanometer Race, July 4th
view log
long dog on a stick
posted: 5/19/2008 at 3:32 AM
race results?
“During the first half of the marathon you’re afraid you’re going to die and during the second half you’re afraid you’re going to live.” – Alex Ratelle, talking about the effort to run 2:30:40 at age 56.
Pages: 1
All About Running > Running 101 > Maximal Strength Training Improves Running Economy