Impact of short term training on morphological, physical fitness and physiological variables of middle distance runners

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of short term training on morphological, physical fitness and physiological determinants of middle distance runners. Method: Total of 97 male volunteers (age: 18-20 yrs.) (40- sedentary control, and 57- middle distance runners) were included randomly, and 17 middle distance runners were excluded. The rest were divided into (a) Sedentary Control Group (SCG, n = 40) and (b) Middle Distance Runners Group (MDR, n = 40). The volunteers of MDR followed a training schedule of 2 hrs/d, 5days/wk., for 6 wks.; no training was given in SCG. Results: A significant (p < .05) increase in strength (of grip, back, leg, upper body strength, abdominal), anaerobic power, flexibility, VO2max, FEV1, FVC, PEFR; and decrease (p < .05) in body mass, body fat and sprint time, heart rate (during rest, sub-maximal exercise and recovery) among the volunteers of MDR after 6 weeks of training. This study showed positive correlation between standing broad jump and height (r = +0.51, p < .05); and between speed and leg strength (r = +0.52, p < .05). Conclusion: Training have a positive impact on morphological, physical fitness and physiological variables of middle distance runners. Further research would provide conclusive results that can be extrapolated to general population.