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Study note

The Effect of Strength Training Methods on Middle-Distance and Long-Distance Runners' Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

PMID 38627351 (2024): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 38627351

The Effect of Strength Training Methods on Middle-Distance and Long-Distance Runners' Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)2024 • DOI 10.1007/s40279-024-02018-z

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

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the effect of different strength training methods (e.g., high load, submaximal load, plyometric, combined) on performance (i.e., time… (systematic review / meta-analysis; well-trained runners).

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 with meta-analysis was to compare the effect of different strength training methods (e.g., high load, submaximal load, plyometric, combined) on performance (i.e., time…
  • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Running economy.
  • Population: well-trained runners.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 3 weeks • 40 weeks.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: strength training, plyometric.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 3 weeks • 40 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 (well-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: well-trained runners.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy, Injury risk.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 3 weeks • 40 weeks.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 38627351 (2024) — Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.).

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate.

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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