The Effects of Resistance, Endurance, and Concurrent Training on Performance Variables in Previously Untrained Men

Abstract

0397 The specificity of training principle predicts that combining resistance and endurance training could interfere with the maximum development of strength and endurance capacity that results from either type of training alone. PURPOSE: To determine if endurance training and resistance training performed concurrently produces different performance and physiologic results compared to each type of training alone. METHODS: 45 untrained men were recruited and random1y assigned to one of three training groups; endurance training (ET), resistance training (RT), and concurrent training (CT). All groups were tested for the following variables prior to and after 12 weeks of training: percent (%) body fat, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), isokinetic peak torque and average power produced during single-leg flexion and extension at 60 and 180 deg/sec, 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) leg press, 1 RM bench press, vertical jump height, calculated jump power, and 40-yard dash time. RESULTS: Body weight increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the RT and CT groups; % body fat was significantly decreased in the ET and CT groups. VO2peak was significantly improved (+8.24%) only in the ET group. Peak torque during flexion and extension at 180 deg/sec was improved 10–11% in the RT group. In the ET, RT, and CT groups 1 RM improvements in leg press (20.4%, 40.8%, and 39.4%, respectively) and bench press (7.5%, 30.5%, and 21.2%, respectively) were significant. RT and CT 1 RM improvements were not significantly different, but greater than those of the ET group. Jump power improved significantly only in the RT group. No group showed a significant change in vertical jump height or 40-yard dash time. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that concurrent training does not interfere with strength development, but may hinder development of maximal aerobic capacity.