Combined strength and plyometric exercise training improves running economy and muscle elastic energy storage and re-use in young untrained women

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Both resistance and stretch-shortening cycle exercise have positive effects on physical abilities and health related factors. In the present experiment we tested the hypothesis that an 8-week-long combined strength and stretch-shortening cycle exercise training is superior to strength training alone in the development of walking and running economy in healthy untrained women. Methods: Twenty untrained female college students (age\u2009=\u200921.5\u2009±\u20092.1 years, body mass index\u2009=\u200922.3\u2009±\u20092.9) were divided into two experimental groups. Both groups performed own-body resistance exercises three times per week but one group performed additional stretch-shortening cycle exercises. Countermovement jump force as well as maximal voluntary isometric torque and elastic energy storage and re-use in quadriceps muscle were measured. Running and walking economy was quantified by measuring maximal oxygen consumption during a treadmill test. Results: Isometric torque improved uniformly in the two groups (p\u2009 Conclusion: This study suggests that improved elastic energy storage and re-use rather than maximum muscle contractility may account for the changes in countermovement jump force and running economy after additional stretch-shortening cycle exercise. The present data should be taken into consideration for understanding the favourable effects of stretch-shortening cycle exercise training in the young untrained population.