Abstract

Aim: To examine the effects of the sequencing order of individualised intermittent endurance training combined with muscular strengthening on aerobic performance and capacity.

Methods: Forty eight male sport students (mean (SD) age 21.4 (1.3) years) were divided into five homogeneous groups according to their maximal aerobic speeds (vV˙o₂max). Four groups participated in various training programmes for 12 weeks (two sessions a week) as follows: E (n  =  10), running endurance training; S (n  =  9), strength circuit training; E+S (n  =  10) and S+E (n  =  10) combined the two programmes in a different order during the same training session. Group C (n  =  9) served as a control. All the subjects were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the training period using four tests: (1) a 4 km time trial running test; (2) an incremental track test to estimate vV˙o₂max; (3) a time to exhaustion test (t_lim) at 100% vV˙o₂max; (4) a maximal cycling laboratory test to assess V˙o₂max.

Results: Training produced significant improvements in performance and aerobic capacity in the 4 km time trial with interaction effect (p<0.001). The improvements were significantly higher for the E+S group than for the E, S+E, and S groups: 8.6%, 5.7%, 4.7%, and 2.5% for the 4 km test (p<0.05); 10.4%, 8.3%, 8.2%, and 1.6% for vV˙o₂max (p<0.01); 13.7%, 10.1%, 11.0%, and 6.4% for V˙o₂max (ml/kg^0.75/min) (p<0.05) respectively. Similar significant results were observed for t_lim and the second ventilatory threshold (%V˙o₂max).

Conclusions: Circuit training immediately after individualised endurance training in the same session (E+S) produced greater improvement in the 4 km time trial and aerobic capacity than the opposite order or each of the training programmes performed separately.