LEG-STRENGTH TRAINING DOES NOT IMPROVE ENDURANCE CYCLING

Bishop, D., Jenkins, D. J., Mackinnon, L. T., Carey, M. F., & McEniery, M. (1977). The influence of resistance training on endurance performance in female endurance cyclists. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1502.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training on endurance performance in female endurance cyclists. Ss were assigned to a resistance training (N = 14) and a control group (N = 7). Resistance training focusing on leg strength consisted of training twice per week for 12 weeks.

There were no significant changes in either group in a one-hour cycle test, lactate threshold, peak VO2, or muscle fiber characteristics.

Implication. Increased leg strength derived from resistance training does not improve endurance performance in female endurance cyclists.

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