AUTHOR=Pugliese Lorenzo , Porcelli Simone , Vezzoli Alessandra , La Torre Antonio , Serpiello Fabio R. , Pavei Gaspare , Marzorati Mauro 

TITLE=Different Training Modalities Improve Energy Cost and Performance in Master Runners

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2018

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00021

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2018.00021

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of continuous moderate-intensity and discontinuous high-intensity training on running performance in master runners. METHODS: Thirty-four male master runners (47.2 ± 7.4 years) were assigned to three different groups: continuous moderate-intensity training (CMIT), discontinuous high-intensity training (DHIT), and control group (CON). CMIT and DHIT performed 8-week of supervised training (3 session∙wk-1; ~35 km∙wk-1) while CON maintained their normal training habits (3-4 session∙wk-1; ~50 km∙wk-1). Peak oxygen consumption (V┴˙O2peak) and peak running speed (vpeak) during incremental treadmill exercise, gas exchange threshold (GET), speed at GET, energetic cost of running (Cr), and 5-km performance were evaluated before and after training. RESULTS: Following the training period, both CMIT and DHIT significantly reduced Cr (-4.4% and -4.9%, respectively, P<0.05), increased speed at GET (3.4% and 5.7%, P<0.05) and improved 5-km time-trial performance (3.1% and 2.2%, P<0.05) whereas no differences were found for V┴˙O2peak and GET (as %V┴˙O2peak). After training, vpeak improved only for DHIT (6%, P<0.05). No differences were found in any variable for CON. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that both CMIT and DHIT may positively affect running performance in middle-aged master runners. This improvement was achieved despite a significant reduction of the amount of weekly training volume.