AUTHOR=Patoz Aurélien , Breine Bastiaan , Thouvenot Adrien , Mourot Laurent , Gindre Cyrille , Lussiana Thibault 

TITLE=Does Characterizing Global Running Pattern Help to Prescribe Individualized Strength Training in Recreational Runners?

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.631637

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2021.631637

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p>This study aimed to determine if concurrent endurance and strength training that matches the global running pattern would be more effective in increasing running economy (RE) than non-matched training. The global running pattern of 37 recreational runners was determined using the Volodalen<sup>®</sup> method as being aerial (AER) or terrestrial (TER). Strength training consisted of endurance running training and either plyometric (PLY) or dynamic weight training (DWT). Runners were randomly assigned to a matched (<italic>n</italic> = 18; DWT for TER, PLY for AER) or non-matched (<italic>n</italic> = 19; DWT for AER, PLY for TER) 8 weeks concurrent training program. RE, maximal oxygen uptake V̇O<sub>2</sub>max) and peak treadmill speed at V̇O<sub>2</sub>max (PTS) were measured before and after the training intervention. None of the tested performance related variables depicted a significant group effect or interaction effect between training and grouping (<italic>p</italic> ≥ 0.436). However, a significant increase in RE, V̇O<sub>2</sub>max, and PTS (<italic>p</italic> ≤ 0.003) was found after the training intervention. No difference in number of responders between matched and non-matched groups was observed for any of the performance related variables (<italic>p</italic> ≥ 0.248). In recreational runners, prescribing PLT or DWT according to the global running pattern of individuals, in addition to endurance training, did not lead to greater improvements in RE.</p>