Use of loaded conditioning activities to potentiate middle- and long-distance performance: a narrative review and practical applications

The warm-up is an integral component of a middle- and long-distance athlete’s pre-performance routine. The use of a loaded conditioning activity (LCA), which elicits a post-activation potentiation (PAP) response to acutely enhance explosive power performance, is well-researched. A similar approach incorporated into the warm-up of a middle- or long-distance athlete potentially provides a novel strategy to augment performance. Mechanisms that underpin a PAP response, relating to acute adjustments within the neuromuscular system, should theoretically improve middle- and long-distance performance via improvements in sub-maximal force-generating ability. Attempts to enhance middle- and long-distance related outcomes using a LCA have been used in several recent studies. Results suggest benefits to performance may exist in well-trained middle- and long-distance athletes by including high-intensity resistance training (1-5 repetition maximum) or adding load to the sport skill itself during the latter part of warm-ups. Early stages of performance appear to benefit most, and it is likely that recovery (5-10 min) also plays an important role following a LCA. Future research should consider how priming activity, designed to enhance the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetic response, and a LCA may interact to affect performance, and how different LCA’s might benefit various modes and durations of middle- and long-distance exercise

Early sport specialization and intensive training in adolescent female athletes: Risks and recommendations

Early sport specialization is often characterized by intensive training and is becoming increasingly common. Adolescent female athletes, who train excessively and adopt poor diets, are at risk of the female athlete triad, overuse injury, mental health issues, and overtraining. The occurrence of one or more of these issues can lead to early retirement from sport and may have serious long-term health consequences. Practitioners working with young females are recommended to adopt a holistic approach to the development of their athletes, including participation in a diverse range of sports, monitoring health status, and ensuring caloric intake meets the demands of the athlete's lifestyle

Effects of strength training on the physiological determinants of middle- and long-distance running performance: a systematic review

Background: Middle- and long-distance running performance is constrained by several important aerobic and anaerobic parameters. The efficacy of strength training (ST) for distance runners has received considerable attention in the literature. However, to date, the results of these studies have not been fully synthesized in a review on the topic. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive critical commentary on the current literature that has examined the effects of ST modalities on the physiological determinants and performance of middle- and long-distance runners, and offer recommendations for best practice. Methods: Electronic databases were searched using a variety of key words relating to ST exercise and distance running. This search was supplemented with citation tracking. To be eligible for inclusion, a study was required to meet the following criteria: participants were middle- or long-distance runners with ≥ 6 months experience, a ST intervention (heavy resistance training, explosive resistance training, or plyometric training) lasting ≥ 4 weeks was applied, a running only control group was used, data on one or more physiological variables was reported. Two independent assessors deemed that 24 studies fully met the criteria for inclusion. Methodological rigor was assessed for each study using the PEDro scale. Results: PEDro scores revealed internal validity of 4, 5, or 6 for the studies reviewed. Running economy (RE) was measured in 20 of the studies and generally showed improvements (2–8%) compared to a control group, although this was not always the case. Time trial (TT) performance (1.5–10 km) and anaerobic speed qualities also tended to improve following ST. Other parameters [maximal oxygen uptake (V˙ O 2 max), velocity at V˙ O 2 max, blood lactate, body composition] were typically unaffected by ST. Conclusion: Whilst there was good evidence that ST improves RE, TT, and sprint performance, this was not a consistent finding across all works that were reviewed. Several important methodological differences and limitations are highlighted, which may explain the discrepancies in findings and should be considered in future investigations in this area. Importantly for the distance runner, measures relating to body composition are not negatively impacted by a ST intervention. The addition of two to three ST sessions per week, which include a variety of ST modalities are likely to provide benefits to the performance of middle- and long-distance runners

Quantification of aerobic determinants of performance in post-pubertal adolescent middle-distance runners

PURPOSE: The use of oxygen cost ([Formula: see text]aero) parameters to predict endurance performance has recently been criticized. Instead, it is suggested that aerobic energy cost ([Formula: see text]) provides greater validity; however, a comparison of these quantification methods has not previously been made. METHODS: Fifty-six male (n = 34) and female (n = 22) competitive adolescent (17 ± 1 years) middle-distance runners participated in a sub-maximal and maximal incremental treadmill test. Running economy (RE) was measured at the speed corresponding to lactate turnpoint, and the three speeds prior. Maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2max), speed at [Formula: see text]O2max and fraction of [Formula: see text]O2max utilized across a range of intensities, and speeds from 0.8, 1.5 and 3 km races were also quantified. RE and fractional utilization were calculated in units of [Formula: see text]aero and [Formula: see text]aero. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression models demonstrated no discernible difference in the predictive capability of RE, fractional utilization and [Formula: see text]O2max when expressed as [Formula: see text]aero or [Formula: see text]aero in both sexes. When plotted as a function of running speed, [Formula: see text]aero displayed a stepwise decrease (F = 11.59, p < 0.001) whereas [Formula: see text]aero exhibited a curvilinear response (F = 4.74, p = 0.015). Differences were also evident in the slopes plotted for %[Formula: see text]O2max and %[Formula: see text]aeromax against running speed (F = 5.38, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Quantifying aerobic determinants of performance in units of [Formula: see text]aero provides no greater validity compared to [Formula: see text]aero-based measurement. Although both [Formula: see text]aero and [Formula: see text]aero are sensitive to changes in speed, [Formula: see text]aero provides the more valid reflection of the underlying metabolic cost of running. Physiologists should also be aware of the potential differences between expression of aerobic running intensity based upon %[Formula: see text]O2max compared to %[Formula: see text]aeroma

Effects of small-sided games vs. conventional endurance training on endurance performance in male youth soccer players: A meta-analytical comparison

Background: Small-sided games have been suggested as a viable alternative to conventional endurance training to enhance endurance performance in youth soccer players. This has important implications for long-term athlete development because it suggests that players can increase aerobic endurance through activities that closely resemble their sport of choice. Objectives: The objectives of this meta-analysis were to compare male youth soccer players’ adaptability to small-sided games vs. conventional endurance training and to establish exercise prescription guidelines for this population. Data Sources: The data sources utilised were Google Scholar, PubMed and Microsoft Academic. Study Eligibility Criteria: Studies were eligible for inclusion if interventions were carried out in male soccer players (aged 3 min. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used because it allocates a proportionate weight to trials based on the size of their individual standard errors and facilitates analysis whilst accounting for heterogeneity across studies. Effect sizes were represented by the standardised mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals. Results: Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Both modes of training were effective in increasing endurance performance. Within-mode effect sizes were both of moderate magnitude [small-sided games: 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.05, 1.60), Z = 2.07 (p = 0.04); conventional endurance training: 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.06, 1.72), Z = 2.10 (p = 0.04)]. There were only trivial differences [0.04 (95% confidence interval − 0.36, 0.43), Z = 0.18 (p = 0.86)] between the effects on aerobic endurance performance of small-sided games and conventional endurance training. Subgroup analyses showed mostly trivial differences between the training methods across key programming variables such as set duration (≥ or < 4 min) and recovery period between sets (≥ or < 3 min). Programmes that were longer than 8 weeks favoured small-sided games [effect size = 0.45 (95% confidence interval − 0.12, 1.02), Z = 1.54 (p = 0.12)], with the opposite being true for conventional endurance training [effect size = − 0.33 (95% confidence interval − 0.79, 0.14), Z = 1.39 (p = 0.16)]. Programmes with more than 4 sets per session favoured small-sided games [effect size = 0.53 (95% confidence interval − 0.52, 1.58), Z = 0.98 (p = 0.33)] with only a trivial difference between those with 4, or fewer, sets [effect size = − 0.13 (95% confidence interval − 0.52, 0.26), Z = 0.65 (p = 0.52)]. Conclusions: Small-sided games are as effective as conventional endurance training for increasing aerobic endurance performance in male youth soccer players. This is important for practitioners as it means that small-sided games can allow both endurance and skills training to be carried out simultaneously, thus providing a more efficient training stimulus. Small-sided games offer the same benefits as conventional endurance training with two sessions per week, with ≥ 4 sets of 4 min of activity, interspersed with recovery periods of 3 min, recommended in this population

Effects of strength training on postpubertal adolescent distance runners

Purpose Strength training activities have consistently been shown to improve running economy (RE) and neuromuscular characteristics, such as force-producing ability and maximal speed, in adult distance runners. However, the effects on adolescent (<18 yr) runners remains elusive. This randomized control trial aimed to examine the effect of strength training on several important physiological and neuromuscular qualities associated with distance running performance. Methods Participants (n = 25, 13 female, 17.2 ± 1.2 yr) were paired according to their sex and RE and randomly assigned to a 10-wk strength training group (STG) or a control group who continued their regular training. The STG performed twice weekly sessions of plyometric, sprint, and resistance training in addition to their normal running. Outcome measures included body mass, maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ), speed at VO 2max , RE (quantified as energy cost), speed at fixed blood lactate concentrations, 20-m sprint, and maximal voluntary contraction during an isometric quarter-squat. Results Eighteen participants (STG: n = 9, 16.1 ± 1.1 yr; control group: n = 9, 17.6 ± 1.2 yr) completed the study. The STG displayed small improvements (3.2%-3.7%; effect size (ES), 0.31-0.51) in RE that were inferred as "possibly beneficial" for an average of three submaximal speeds. Trivial or small changes were observed for body composition variables, VO 2max and speed at VO 2max ; however, the training period provided likely benefits to speed at fixed blood lactate concentrations in both groups. Strength training elicited a very likely benefit and a possible benefit to sprint time (ES, 0.32) and maximal voluntary contraction (ES, 0.86), respectively. Conclusions Ten weeks of strength training added to the program of a postpubertal distance runner was highly likely to improve maximal speed and enhances RE by a small extent, without deleterious effects on body composition or other aerobic parameters

Strength training as an ergogenic tool to enhance running economy and elite marathon running performance [Commentary]

Commentary on Viewpoint: Physiology and fast marathons. This is a comment on: Michael J. Joyner, Sandra K. Hunter, Alejandro Lucia, and Andrew M. Jones, 2020. Physiology and fast marathons (Viewpoint). Journal of Applied Physiology, 128 (4), pp.1065-1068

Variations in strength-related measures during the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To systematically review the current body of research that has investigated changes in strength-related variables during different phases of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women. Design: Systematic review and meta analysis. Method: A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science using search terms related to the menstrual cycle and strength-related measures. Two reviewers reached consensus that 21 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Methodological rigor was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Random effects meta-analyses were used to compare the early-follicular, ovulatory and mid-luteal phases for maximal voluntary contraction, isokinetic peak torque, and explosive strength. Results: The assessment of study quality showed that a high level of bias exists in specific areas of study design. Non-significant and small or trivial effect sizes (p≥0.26, Hedges g ≤0.35) were identified for all strength related variables in each comparison between phases. 95% confidence intervals for each comparison suggested the uncertainty associated with each estimate extends to a small effect on strength performance with unclear direction (-0.42≤ g ≤0.48). The heterogeneity for each comparison was also small (p≥0.83, I 2 =0%). Conclusions: Strength status appears to be minimally altered (g ≤0.35) by the fluctuations in ovarian sex hormones that occur during the menstrual cycle. This finding should be interpreted with caution due to the methodological shortcomings identified by the quality assessment

Speed demands of women's rugby sevens match play

The purpose of this study was to quantify the running speed demands of elite female rugby sevens match play, both absolute and relative to maximal ability, and determine the importance of maximal velocity running to performance. Individual maximal running velocity (Vmax) was established for 12 professional female rugby sevens athletes before the collection of global positioning system data during all 6 games of an international tournament. The subjective importance of each maximal velocity running effort was established using visual analogue scale ratings of video clips by coaches. Differences in velocity demands between backs and forwards were analyzed using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance, and differences in "sprint" distance using the typical-standard and female-adjusted sprint thresholds were compared using a paired-samples t-test. The mean peak velocity reached per game by all players was 90.6 ± 7.9% Vmax. Players covered 1,556 ± 233 m per game, with "sprinting" representing 6 ± 4% of this total distance using the typical-standard "sprint" threshold (5.6 m·s-1), but a significantly (p 75% Vmax and >90% Vmax speeds when compared to forwards. More than half of the running efforts peaking at ≥90% Vmax were considered very influential to game outcomes. These findings suggest that maximal velocity running is important to female rugby sevens performance, and that high-speed demands are different for backs and forwards. Furthermore, the typical-standard sprint thresholds significantly underestimate the true running demands of female rugby sevens

Quantification of exercise intensity as energy expenditure: reliability and units of measurement [commentary]

This is a commentary on Beck ON, Kipp S, Byrnes WC, Kram R. Viewpoint: Use aerobic energy expenditure instead of oxygen uptake to quantify exercise intensity and predict endurance performance. </p