Effects of resistance training on endurance capacity and muscle fiber composition in young top‐level cyclists

Abstract

Equivocal findings exist on the effect of concurrent strength (S) and endurance (E) training on endurance performance and muscle morphology. Further, the influence of concurrent SE training on muscle fiber-type composition, vascularization and endurance capacity remains unknown in top-level endurance athletes. The present study examined the effect of 16 weeks of concurrent SE training on maximal muscle strength (MVC), contractile rate of force development (RFD), muscle fiber morphology and composition, capillarization, aerobic power (VO2max), cycling economy (CE) and long/short-term endurance capacity in young elite competitive cyclists (n=14). MVC and RFD increased 12-20% with SE (P<0.01) but not E. VO2max remained unchanged. CE improved in E to reach values seen in SE. Short-term (5-min) endurance performance increased (3-4%) after SE and E (P<0.05), whereas 45-min endurance capacity increased (8%) with SE only (P<0.05). Type IIA fiber proportions increased and type IIX proportions decreased after SE training (P<0.05) with no change in E. Muscle fiber area and capillarization remained unchanged. In conclusion, concurrent strength/endurance training in young elite competitive cyclists led to an improved 45-min time-trial endurance capacity that was accompanied by an increased proportion of type IIA muscle fibers and gains in MVC and RFD, while capillarization remained unaffected.

Acetic acid enhances endurance capacity of exercise-trained mice by increasing skeletal muscle oxidative properties

“…46,47) In the present study, acetic acid supplementation along with training enhanced exercise-based adaptations in muscle, as reflected by the increased expression of genes involved in energy homeostasis such as LKB1, AMPK, PPARδ, and PGC-1α. Indeed, PPARδ, the primary downstream target of AMPK, is a key regulator of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in muscle, 48) and targeted activation of PPARδ in muscle leads to increased oxidative muscle fibers and enhanced running endurance.…”

Cyclists’ Improvement of Pedaling Efficacy and Performance After Heavy Strength Training

“…Recently, it has been reported that concurrent heavy strength training and endurance training in well-trained cyclists result in enhanced cycling performance. [1][2][3][4] Other research groups have previously failed to find a similar positive effect of strength training on performance in trained cyclists. 5,6 In one of our previous articles, cycling performance was determined as the power output in a 5-minute all-out trial performed subsequent to 185 minutes of submaximal cycling.…”

Aerobic capacity is not improved following 10-day supplementation with peppermint essential oil

“…However, although it appears feasible that the previously observed physiological changes induced by peppermint could have possible ergogenic benefits, some of the reported effects have been considerable. Such increases warrant further investigation, particularly when considering other authors have reported much less substantial improvements in cardio-respiratory parameters following a period of intense exercise training (Helgerud et al 2007, Aagaard et al 2011). The effects observed by Meamarbashi and Rajabi (2013) may be the result of a serious flaw in their design, as all participants were tested pre and post supplementation, with no evidence of randomisation.…”