Effects of plyometric training on different 8‐week training intensity distributions in well‐trained endurance runners. (16th November 2022) - Filipas, Luca
Abstract : The aim of this four‐armed parallel group randomized‐controlled trial was to evaluate if plyometric training could have different effects on running performance and physiological adaptations depending on the training intensity distribution (TID) in an 8‐week intervention in endurance athletes. Sixty well‐trained male runners (age: 34 ± 6 years, relative ⩒O2peak : 69 ± 3 ml kg −1 min −1 ) were recruited and allocated to a pyramidal (PYR), pyramidal + plyometric training (PYR + PLY), polarized (POL), and polarized + plyometric training (POL + PLY) periodization. The periodization patterns were isolated manipulations of TID, while training load was kept constant. Participants were tested pre‐ and post‐intervention for body mass, velocity at 2 and 4 mmol·L −1 of blood lactate concentration (vBLa2, vBLa4), absolute and relative ⩒O2peak and 5‐km running time trial performance, counter movement jump and squat jump. There were significant group × time interactions for vBla4 ( p = 0.0235), CMJ ( p = 0.0234), SJ ( p = 0.0168), and 5‐km running time trial performance ( p = 0.0035). Specifically, vBla4 and 5‐km running time trial performance showed the largest post‐intervention improvements in PYR + PLY (2.4% and 1.6%) and POL + PLY (2.1% and 1.8%), respectively. No significant interactions were observed for body mass, absolute and relative ⩒O2peak, peak heart rate, lactate peak and rating of perceived exertion. In conclusion, an 8‐week training periodization seems to be effective in improving performance of well‐trained endurance runners. Including plyometric training once a week appeared to be more efficacious in maximizing running performance improvements, independently from the TID adopted.