Abstract

--- - "Purpose: To compare the effects of short-sprint training (SST) and heavy-strength training (HST) following a 4-week strength-training period on sprint and endurance capacities in well-trained cyclists." - "Methods: Twenty-eight competitive cyclists (age 29 +/- 6 years) with maximal oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2max)) of 61.1 +/- 5.9 mL.min(-1).kg(-1) participated. After a 4-weeks preparation strength-training period, the participants were randomized to add either HST or SST to their usual endurance training for the subsequent 6 weeks. Body composition, (V) over dotO(2max) and power output at blood lactate concentration ([La-]) of 4 mmol.L-1, as well as a 100 min cycling test including 6 and 30-s sprints, 60 min cycling at [La-] of 2 mmol.L-1 and 5-min all-out cycling were performed before the 4-week preparation strength-training period, and before and after the 6-week intervention period. In addition, 1 repetition maximum (RM) in half-squat and 55-m maximal sprints on the cyclists' own bikes were measured before and after the 6-week intervention." - "Results: SST was superior to HST in 6-s sprint performance, both in a fresh state (4.7 +/- 2.6% vs. 1.1 +/- 3.5%) and after prolong cycling (6.1 +/- 1.8% vs. 1.8 +/- 4.2%), in 30-s sprint (3.7 +/- 2.8% vs. 1.3 +/- 2.5%) and in 55-m seated sprint on own bike (4.3 +/- 2.1% vs. 0.2 +/- 1.8%) (all p < 0.002). HST induced a larger 1RM improvement in the half-squat test than SST (9.3 +/- 3.6% vs. -3.9 +/- 3.8%; p < 0.001). No group differences were revealed in the 5-min all-out test, (V) over dotO(2max), power output at 4 mmol.L-1 [La-], or in gross efficiency." - "Conclusion: SST led to a greater increase in average and peak power output on all sprint tests compared to HST, whereas HST led to a greater increase in maximal strength. No group differences were found in relative changes in endurance capacities. Altogether, our results show a high degree of specificity in the adaptations of both SST and HST."