Abstract
Non-sport-specific strength training is a way to increase endurance performance; however, which kind of exercise (maximal, plyometric, explosive or resistance strength training) gives the best results is still under debate. Scientific publications were analyzed according to the PRISMA checklist and statement. The initial search yielded 500 studies, 17 of which were included in this review using the PEDro Scale. Maximal strength training boosted the ability to express strength particularly in cross-country skiing and cycling, increasing endurance performance, measured as a decrease of the endurance performance tests. In running, explosive strength training did not generate advantages, whereas plyometric strength training led to an improvement in the endurance performance tests and work economy. In running it was possible to compare different types of non sport-specific strength training and the plyometric one resulted the best training methodology to enhance performance. However, studies on other sports only investigated the effects of maximal strength training. It resulted more effective in cross-country skiing (although only one study was eligible according to the inclusion criteria) and in the cycling component of the triathlon and, by contrast, induced modest effects on cyclists’ performance, suggesting different type of strength would probably be more effective. In conclusion, each sport might optimize performance by using appropriate non sport-specific strength training, which, however, should be studied individually.
Highlights
Endurance training leads to vascular and muscular adaptions, favoring the improvement of endurance performance. [1]
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to understand whether different non sport-specific strength training, namely strength exercises that do not recall the sport-specific movements, could be related to best performances in specific endurance sports
A better neuromuscular coordination delaying the onset of fatigue after strength intervention and a skeletal muscles changes in fiber composition might be the mechanism responsible for the increase of aerobic performance [34,35,36]
Summary
Endurance training leads to vascular and muscular adaptions, favoring the improvement of endurance performance. [1]. Exercise economy is defined as the oxygen uptake required at a given submaximal speed [1] and this concept is frequently associated with the work economy that is expressed as aerobic metabolic rate or oxygen uptake at a given speed [3]. In well-trained athletes, the capacity to sustain a high intensity in endurance performances, without the influence of aerobic capacity, could be associated to the strength development [3]. The effectiveness of concurrent training—such as endurance and strength training in the same training program—has long been recognized, expert trainers believe that the addition of non sport-specific strength training (NST) to sports-specific training improves sports performance [4]. NST is every strength exercise with non-specific sport movements (i.e., squat, deadlift, leg press, leg extension machine, etc.)
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