Interference of Endurance Training on Strength Development and Neuromuscular Adaptations

Overview

This study aims to find out if performing combined strength and endurance exercise in the same program (called concurrent training-CT) leads to similar long-term improvements in neuromuscular function as doing each type of exercise separately. The main questions it seeks to answer are: Does performing CT result in similar improvements in strength and power as doing just strength training? Does performing CT result in similar improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness as doing just endurance training? Are neuromuscular adaptations similar between CT and just strength training? Researchers will compare the results between three groups: the CT group, the endurance training group (E), and the strength training group (S) to answer these questions.

This study looks at how different types of exercise affect neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory improvements over time. It aims to see how combining strength and endurance training (concurrent training - CT) affects neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations compared to doing just strength or endurance training. Participants who regularly do both types of exercise will be split into three groups: Concurrent training (CT), endurance training (E), or strength training (S) and will be involved in 11 weeks of supervised training, three days a week: Endurance training involves 30 minutes of continuous running, three days a week, at an intensity corresponding to the heavy domain (between the first and second ventilatory threshold) Strength training includes weightlifting three days a week, focusing on building both strength and power. Concurrent training incorporates both strength and endurance exercises in the same session, three days a week, with strength training being executed prior to endurance training. Researchers will collect data at three time-points during the 11 weeks: before starting the program (Baseline), at the end of week 5 (Week 5), and at the end of the program (Week 11). Measurements include lower-body strength and power, aerobic capacity, nerve evoked responses, and muscle structure if the quadriceps femoris. Researchers will then compare the CT, E, and S groups at each measurement point to see which type of training elicited the best adaptations for the different neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory outcomes.