- Journal
- SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
- Année
- 2025
- Volume
- 24
- Numéro
- 10
- Pages
- 3013-3030
- Mois
- OCT 3
- DOI
- 10.1080/14763141.2023.2200403
Abstract
We compared the effects of two 8-week concurrent strength and endurance trainings (CSETs) on running economy (RE) and running biomechanics, and we explored whether the effects on running biomechanics were mediated by responder status [high vs low responder based on -2.6% change in RE]. Thirty-one male recreational runners were randomly assigned to a standard endurance running training combined with either plyometric (CSET-PLY) or dynamic body-weight (CSET-DYN) training. RE and running biomechanics [contact (tc) and flight (tf) time, step frequency (SF), duty factor (DF), and leg stiffness (kleg)] were measured pre- and postintervention. RE significantly improved following CSET (RE = -2.1 +/- 3.9%; p = 0.005) and no changes in tc, DF, SF, and k(leg) (p >= 0.10) but a shorter t(f) (p >= 0.03) from pre- to post-intervention were seen. The prevalence of high responders was 42% (RE = -5.7 +/- 2.4%). Among high responders, there were no changes in running biomechanics except participants following CSET-DYN who increased their SF (+3%). These results indicate that improvements in RE obtained through CSET-PLY and CSET-DYN involve minimal to no changes in running biomechanics and that there was not a training modality, which was better than the other. More detailed biomechanical assessments involving kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography could shed light on the underlying mechanisms of RE improvement.