Effect of concurrent strength and endurance training on run performance and biomechanics: a randomised controlled trial.

This parallel-groups randomised controlled trial investigated the effect of concurrent strength and endurance (CSE) training on running performance, biomechanics, and muscle activity during overground running. Thirty moderately-trained distance runners were randomly assigned to 10-weeks CSE training (n = 15; 33.1 ± 7.5 years) or a control group (n = 15; 34.2 ± 8.2 years). Participants ran ≥ 30 km per week and had no experience with strength training. The primary outcome measure was two-kilometre run time. Secondary outcome measures included lower limb sagittal plane biomechanics and muscle activity during running (3.89 m·s-1 and maximal sprinting); maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max); running economy; and, body composition. CSE training improved two-kilometre run time (mean difference (MD): -11.3 s [95% CI -3.7, -19.0]; p = 0.006) and time to exhaustion during the VO2 max running test (MD 59.1 s [95% CI 8.58, 109.62]; p = 0.024). The CSE training group also reduced total body fat (MD: -1.05 kg [95% CI -0.21, -1.88]; p = 0.016) while total body mass and lean body mass were unchanged. Hip joint angular velocity during the early swing phase of running at 3.89 m·s-1 was the only biomechanical or muscle activity variable that significantly changed following CSE training. CSE training is beneficial for running performance, but changes in running biomechanics and muscle activity may not be contributing factors to the performance improvement. Future research should consider other possible mechanisms and the effect of CSE training on biomechanics and muscle activity during prolonged running under fatigued conditions.