Effects of resistance training on running economy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.113574Keywords:
Strength training, oxygen cost, running, distance runningAbstract
Introduction: Running economy (RE) is a key determinant of endurance performance in long-distance runners, influencing their efficiency and energy expenditure. Resistance training has been proposed as a strategy to enhance RE, yet its effectiveness remains debated.
Objective: We aimed to systematically and meta-analytically review manuscripts describing the effects of resistance training on RE in long-distance runners (≥10 km). Methodology: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases for manuscripts with no date restriction other than being published until March 2024.
Results: Out of 895 studies, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was calculated, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were weighted by inverse variance to calculate the overall effect and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of resistance training on RE. A total of 80 subjects from the included studies were analyzed (age: 36.2 ± 6 yrs; VO2max: 49.2 ± 4 ml.kg.min-1). The mean training intensity was 83% 1RM ± 7.5%. Resistance training improved RE in long-distance runners (p= 0.003, d= 0.47) while training intensity, race specialty and duration of the training protocol positively modulated such adaptations.
Discussion: These results provide a framework that resistance training evokes positive effects in RE in long-distance runners corroborating with previous studies.
Conclusions: The present study showed that resistance training improves RE. Training structure appears to be the key point, and further studies are required to provide information on the effects of resistance training on RE in long-distance runners.
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