Resistance Training and Running Performance and Economy: A Literature Review

Running performance is largely determined by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), velocity at VO2 max, fractional utilisation of VO2 max and running economy. Running economy is relatively under-researched and could be improved by resistance training because of its neuromuscular underpinnings. However, existing research on this topic is quite unorganised and inconclusive and is yet to prove a direct linkage between resistance training, running economy and performance. This literature review aimed to provide an organised overview of the existing literature, identify and address confounding variables and provide recommendations for future research. A search for studies was conducted via Google Scholar and the National Strength and Conditioning Association database. The inclusion criteria were: the participants are between 18 and 60 years of age and run at least three times per week; the article is peer reviewed and published no earlier than 2005; the study either measures running economy (as “the oxygen or metabolic cost to run at a given submaximal velocity” (Blagrove et al., 2018a, p. 1133)) or running performance (as a time-time trial); and the study contains a resistance training intervention and a control condition, or is a literature review. This review did not find sufficient evidence to definitively conclude that resistance training improves running economy or performance, but instead recommends steps to conduct more consistent and controlled future research. Resistance Training and Running Performance and Economy 3 Resistance Training and Running Performance and Economy: A Literature Review There are four overarching determinants of running performance (RP): maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 Max), velocity at VO2 Max (vVO2 Max), fractional utilisation of VO2 Max, and running economy (RE). Most of these have been extensively researched, except for RE: “the oxygen or metabolic cost to run at a given submaximal velocity” (Blagrove et al., 2018a, p. 1133). Being underpinned by neuromuscular characteristics, RE has the potential to be improved by resistance training (RT). However, it remains unclear whether changes in RE leads to meaningful improvements in RP. There is a lack of consistency in research on this topic resulting from no uniform definition or measurement of RE and standardised protocols to investigate it. Since RT has the potential to provide athletes with additional performance improvements beyond their VO2 max capacity, the lack of consistency in the findings creates the demand for further research into this relationship. This paper examines RE as a mechanism through which RT could improve RP in a concurrent training program. A concurrent training program is one consisting of simultaneous resistance and endurance training (ET). The goal of this paper is to investigate, through a literature review, the hypothesis that two or more RT sessions per week in adult runners who run three or more times per week results in an improvement in RE and performance. The null hypothesis is that no such effect exists. The lack of consistency and clarity in the literature will then be explored and recommendations to address this in future literature provided. For this literature review, 19 articles were gathered via Google Scholar. The criteria for inclusion were as follows: the participants are between 18 and 60 years of age and run at least three times per week; the article is peer reviewed and published after 2005. These studies measured RE (as “the metabolic or oxygen cost of running at a given speed” (Blagrove et al., 2018a, p. 1133)), or RP (as a time-time trial); and contained a RT intervention and a control condition or were a literature review. Resistance Training and Running Performance and Economy 4