title: Short-term plyometric training improves running economy in highly trained middle and long distance runners.
abstract: Fifteen highly trained distance runners VO(2)max 71.1 +/- 6.0 ml.min(-1).kg(-1), mean +/- SD) were randomly assigned to a plyometric training (PLY; n = 7) or control (CON; n = 8) group. In addition to their normal training, the PLY group undertook 3 x 30 minutes PLY sessions per week for 9 weeks. Running economy (RE) was assessed during 3 x 4 minute treadmill runs (14, 16, and 18 km.h(-1)), followed by an incremental test to measure VO(2)max. Muscle power characteristics were assessed on a portable, unidirectional ground reaction force plate. Compared with CON, PLY improved RE at 18 km.h(-1) (4.1%, p = 0.02), but not at 14 or 16 km.h(-1). This was accompanied by trends for increased average power during a 5-jump plyometric test (15%, p = 0.11), a shorter time to reach maximal dynamic strength during a strength quality assessment test (14%, p = 0.09), and a lower VO(2)-speed slope (14%, p = 0.12) after 9 weeks of PLY. There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory measures or VO(2)max as a result of PLY. In a group of highly-trained distance runners, 9 weeks of PLY improved RE, with likely mechanisms residing in the muscle, or alternatively by improving running mechanics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, Australia. philo.saunders@ausport.gov.au
authors.forename: Philo U
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Richard D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Telford
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Pyne
authors.forename: Esa M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Peltola
authors.forename: Ross B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: Chris J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Gore
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hawley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D007773:Lactates