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The effects of plyometric versus resistance training on running economy and 5-km running time in middle-aged recreational runners.

PMID 39523854 (2024): plyometric, versus — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 10:34 PM

Study note • PMID 39523854

The effects of plyometric versus resistance training on running economy and 5-km running time in middle-aged recreational runners.

European journal of sport science2024 • DOI 10.1002/ejsc.12197
Evidence C67/100
Action 2: Consider

Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.

ELI5

In plain language

The effects of plyometric training (PT) versus resistance training (RT) on running economy and performance are unclear, especially in middle-aged recreational runners. (randomized trial; n=10 recreational runners).

The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: The effects of plyometric training (PT) versus resistance training (RT) on running economy and performance are unclear, especially in middle-aged recreational runners.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • Population: n=10 recreational runners.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 10 weeks • 12 km • 5 km.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: plyometric, versus (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 10 weeks • 12 km • 5 km.
  • Outcomes: Running economy.
  • 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 (n=10 recreational runners) working on biomechanics.
  • Athletes who can measure Running economy 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: randomized trial.
  • Population: n=10 recreational runners.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 10 weeks • 12 km • 5 km.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 39523854 (2024) — European journal of sport science.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

However, neither group changed the 5-km running time (p >/= 0.259).

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).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • 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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Sources