Study note • PMID 24532151
The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes.
Low risk + high feasibility for most athletes.
ELI5
In plain language
The aim of this systematic review was to search the body of scientific literature for original research investigating the effect of strength training on performance indicators in well-trained endurance… (systematic review / meta-analysis; well-trained athletes).
In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Running economy. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.
Takeaways
What the abstract suggests
- • Study question: The aim of this systematic review was to search the body of scientific literature for original research investigating the effect of strength training on performance indicators in well-trained endurance…
- • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Running economy.
- • Population: well-trained athletes.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 6 months • 5 weeks • 6 h.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: strength training, neuromuscular.
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 6 months • 5 weeks • 6 h.
- • Outcomes: Running economy, Injury risk.
- • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.
Fit
Who it helps, and who should skip it
Who it helps
- • Athletes similar to the study population (well-trained athletes) working on strength.
- • Athletes who can measure Running economy, Injury risk with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.
Who should skip
- • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
- • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.
Methods
What the study actually did
- • Design: systematic review / meta-analysis.
- • Population: well-trained athletes.
- • Outcomes measured: Running economy, Injury risk.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 6 months • 5 weeks • 6 h.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 24532151 (2014) — Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.).
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“However, it is evident that further research is needed.”
Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.
Limits
Limitations & bias
- • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
- • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
- • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
- • This is performance information, not medical advice.
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Performance Science Lab
Research-backed protocols and evidence grades for endurance performance — built for athletes.
Strength performance research
Strength work is a performance tool for endurance athletes when it’s specific, minimal, and repeatable.
Strength training for running economy: what to do (without ruining your runs)
Evidence-informed protocol: Strength training for running economy: what to do (without ruining your runs). Practical steps, who it helps, and what to watch out for.
Running economy research for endurance athletes
Economy is the cost of speed. Small improvements compound over long races.
Injury risk research for endurance athletes
Most injury risk comes from load spikes and insufficient tissue tolerance — manage both.