Study note • PMID 26694507
Effects of Strength Training on Running Economy in Highly Trained Runners: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.
How to use this page
This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.
- • Design signal: systematic review / meta-analysis.
- • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
- • Consistency: synthesis evidence present.
- • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.
ELI5
In plain language
Balsalobre-Fernandez, C, Santos-Concejero, J, and Grivas, GV. (systematic review / meta-analysis; trained runners).
In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract is mixed or unclear for 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: Balsalobre-Fernandez, C, Santos-Concejero, J, and Grivas, GV.
- • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract is mixed or unclear for Running economy.
- • Population: trained runners.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 4 weeks • 12 weeks.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: strength training, plyometric.
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 4 weeks • 12 weeks.
- • Outcomes: Running economy, Injury risk.
- • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.
Fit
Who it may help, and who should be cautious
Who it helps
- • Athletes similar to the study population (trained runners) working on strength.
- • Athletes who can measure Running economy, Injury risk with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.
Who should be cautious
- • 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: trained runners.
- • Outcomes measured: Running economy, Injury risk.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 4 weeks • 12 weeks.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 26694507 (2016) — Journal of strength and conditioning research.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“Four of the 5 included studies used low to moderate training intensities (40-70% one repetition maximum), and all of them used low to moderate training volume (2-4 resistance lower-body exercises plus up to 200 jumps and 5-10 short sprints) 2-3 times per week…”
Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.
Limits
Limitations and 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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