None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This project will be a 10 week strength training intervention in trained distance runners. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect a strength and conditioning program has on the mediators of running performance, in particular, running mechanics and muscle-tendon properties in distance runners. Methods will include collecting strength and stiffness measures using dynamometry and ultrasonography, an incremental treadmill running test to determine running economy and maximal aerobic capacity, and 3-dimensional motion analyses and musculoskeletal modeling of running and strength exercises. We anticipate this project will improve exercise prescription practices in distance runners. In addition, we expect this project to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms underpinning improvements in run performance following a strength and conditioning intervention.
Interventions
The experimental group will participate in a strength training programme of 1 hour in duration, twice per week, for 10 weeks. The strength training program will consist of a range of open and closed chain resistance and plyometric exercises such as deadlifts, hamstring curls, squats, lunges, drop jumps, bounding and countermovement jumps focused on the gluteal, hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscles. The strength training program will be conducted in the AIS gym and be overseen by an experienced
The experimental group will participate in a strength training programme of 1 hour in duration, twice per week, for 10 weeks. The strength training program will consist of a range of open and closed chain resistance and plyometric exercises such as deadlifts, hamstring curls, squats, lunges, drop jumps, bounding and countermovement jumps focused on the gluteal, hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscles. The strength training program will be conducted in the AIS gym and be overseen by an experienced Australian Strength and Conditioning Level 2 Coach. Each 1 hour session will consist of a 10 minute warm up (5 min cycling, 5 min dynamic stretching) followed by 45 minutes of strength training and a 5 minute cool down of static stretching. Participants will perform 3-5 sets of 4-8 repetitions of the strength training exercises. Plyometric exercises will be performed unloaded (i.e. bodyweight only) and strength based exercises (i.e. barbell sqaut) performed at 70% of 1 RM. Loads will be progressively increased to maintain this range of repetitions per set. Participants allocated to the intervention group must attend strength training at the Australian Institute of Sport gymnasium in Bruce, ACT. Level 2 ACSA Strength and Conditioning coaches will record attendance for the duration to these sessions using participant checklists. All participants must also log training online via Google Forms. Participants must report the type, intensity, duration, number and frequency of endurance and strength training using these online logs. Participants will train in groups of 5. Each group will be supervised by a Level 2 ASCA Strength and Conditioning coach who is external to the research team and will have no part in assessing intervention outcomes.
Sponsors
Dr Jason Bonacci
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
To be included, runners need to be aged 18 to 45 years old. All participants must be distance runners, running more than >30km per week for at least 1 year prior to the study.
Exclusion criteria
Participants must be healthy, free of any musculoskeletal injuries or disorders, and have no medical problems that could affect their ability to participate in the research or affect their running technique. Pregnant women are also excluded from the study.
Outcome results
None listed