Swimming and cycling overloaded training in triathlon has no effect on running kinematics and economy

Int J Sports Med. 2005 Apr;26(3):193-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-817923.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to verify whether an overloaded training (OT) in triathlon deteriorates running kinematics (RK) and running economy (RE). Thirteen well-trained male long-distance triathletes (age: 28.1 +/- 4.3 yrs; V.O (2max): 65.0 +/- 3.1 ml O (2) . min (-1) . kg (-1)) were divided into two groups: completed an individualized OT program (OG; n = 7) or maintained a normal level of training (NT) (CG; n = 6) for a duration of 3 weeks. Every week, each triathlete completed a standardized questionnaire to quantify the influence of training loads on mood state. To reach OT, total training load (h . 3 wk (-1)) was increased by 24 %; swimming and cycling total volumes were increased by 46 and 57 %, respectively, but the distance run was not modified in order to limit the risk of injuries. RK and RE were determined on treadmill test at 12 km . h (-1) before and after the 3 weeks. The 3-week swimming and cycling OT in triathlon was sufficiently stressful to alter mood state but not to deteriorate the running kinematics and economy parameters in our previously well-trained male long-distance triathletes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Bicycling / psychology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Fatigue / physiopathology
  • Fatigue / psychology
  • Gait / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Running / physiology*
  • Running / psychology
  • Swimming / physiology*
  • Swimming / psychology