Study note • PMID 36370207
Heavy Resistance Training Versus Plyometric Training for Improving Running Economy and Running Time Trial Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Low risk + high feasibility for most athletes.
ELI5
In plain language
BACKGROUND: As an adjunct to running training, heavy resistance and plyometric training have recently drawn attention as potential training modalities that improve running economy and running time trial performance. (systematic review / meta-analysis; trained triathletes).
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: BACKGROUND: As an adjunct to running training, heavy resistance and plyometric training have recently drawn attention as potential training modalities that improve running economy and running time trial performance.
- • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract is mixed or unclear for Running economy.
- • Population: trained triathletes.
- • Protocol cues (full paper): 6 months • 4 weeks • 14 weeks • 10 weeks • 60 min • 120 min.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: resistance training, plyometric.
- • Dose/time/duration cues found in the full paper: 6 months • 4 weeks • 14 weeks • 10 weeks • 60 min • 120 min.
- • 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 (trained triathletes) 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 (randomized).
- • Population: trained triathletes.
- • Outcomes measured: Running economy, Injury risk.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 14 weeks • 8 weeks • 10 weeks • 6 weeks.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 36370207 (2022) — Sports medicine - open.
Full paper
What the full paper adds
- • Design features (paper): randomized.
- • Participants (paper): trained triathletes.
- • More protocol detail (paper): 6 months • 4 weeks • 14 weeks • 10 weeks • 60 min • 120 min.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“In addition, running economy appears to be improved better when training is performed for a longer period in both heavy resistance and plyometric training.”
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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Injury risk research for endurance athletes
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