Concurrent Training Versus Strenght Training Alone On Maximum Strenght And Strenght Endurance

Abstract

It has been discussed that a combination of strength and aerobic training (concurrent training) may enhance both neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory functions and consequently to preserve the functional capacity. However, some studies have been shown that the concurrent training induces lower strength gains when compared with strength training alone. PURPOSE: To compare the chronic effect of concurrent training and strength training alone on maximum strength and strength endurance. METHODS: Eleven healthy men (age: 23.4 ± 4.5 years; body mass: 81.8 ± 10.4 kg; height: 175.0 ± 0.1 cm) with no prior experience with resistance or aerobic exercises were recruited. Subjects were randomly in concurrent training (CT; n=6) and strength training alone (STA; n=5). Both training protocols were periodized in 18 sessions, 3 times per week. Strength training was composed of 2-5 series of 1-16 maximum repetitions with 1-3 min. of passive recovery for maximum strength and strength endurance in lower limbers. Aerobic training was performed on a treadmill using continuous [1st week: 30 minutes with 2 km.h-1 lower than Anaerobic Threshold (AT) velocity] and intermittent methods (2nd week: 30 minutes with 5 series of 5 minutes at the AT and active recovery of 1 minute with 2 km.h-1 lower than AT velocity; 3th, 4th, 5th and 6th weeks: 35 minutes with 6-9 series of 1-4 minutes with 1-5 km.h-1 higher than AT velocity and active recovery of 1-3 minute with 2 km.h-1 lower than AT velocity. AT was determined using Conconi test. Mean and standard deviation of maximum strength (1 repetition maximum, 1RM) and strength endurance (maximum repetitions at 60% of 1RM) were compared using Student´s Test for independent sample (significance level of 5%). RESULTS: Both experimental interventions (CT and STA) produced increase of maximum strength (∼31,4% and ∼15,1%, respectively) and strength endurance (∼57% and ∼80%, respectively) but with no difference between CT and STA (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Maximum strength and strength endurance was not affected by the aerobic training exercise used in CT group. Thus, the concurrent training seems to produce similar gain when compared with strength training alone.