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Strength training improves performance and pedaling characteristics in elite cyclists
Author(s) -
Rønnestad B. R.,
Hansen J.,
Hollan I.,
Ellefsen S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12257
Subject(s) - cycling , time trial , wingate test , squat , isometric exercise , physical therapy , kilogram , medicine , lean body mass , bench press , anaerobic exercise , zoology , strength training , mathematics , physical medicine and rehabilitation , body weight , resistance training , heart rate , archaeology , biology , blood pressure , history
The purpose was to investigate the effect of 25 weeks heavy strength training in young elite cyclists. Nine cyclists performed endurance training and heavy strength training ( ES ) while seven cyclists performed endurance training only ( E ). ES , but not E , resulted in increases in isometric half squat performance, lean lower body mass, peak power output during W ingate test, peak aerobic power output ( W max ), power output at 4 mmol L −1 [la − ], mean power output during 40‐min all‐out trial, and earlier occurrence of peak torque during the pedal stroke ( P < 0.05). ES achieved superior improvements in W max and mean power output during 40‐min all‐out trial compared with E ( P < 0.05). The improvement in 40‐min all‐out performance was associated with the change toward achieving peak torque earlier in the pedal stroke ( r = 0.66, P < 0.01). Neither of the groups displayed alterations in VO 2max or cycling economy. In conclusion, heavy strength training leads to improved cycling performance in elite cyclists as evidenced by a superior effect size of ES training vs E training on relative improvements in power output at 4 mmol L −1 [la − ], peak power output during 30‐s W ingate test, W max , and mean power output during 40‐min all‐out trial.