The dynamics of changes in the indicators of running economy within 48 hours after application of explosive strength training

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the indicators of running economy (VO2·BM-1·min-1 and ΔVO2·BM-1·min-1) within 48 hours after the application of explosive strength intervention (ESI). Nine university students, recreational athletes (age 23.8 ± 1.56 years, height 178 ± 4.8 cm, weight 74.8 ± 2.91 kg) underwent ESI (6 explosive strength exercises, 3 sets, 8 reps, rest 90 sec, maximum intensity) aimed mainly at lower limbs. The testing of running economy (RE) was performed during four separate measurements (-48, 0, 24 and 48 h; 0 = test immediately after the intervention) at 8, 10, 12 km·h-1 (5 min intervals; the last 60 sec of each level were recorded). It was found that when compared with the pretest values (-48 h), the average ΔVO2·BM-1·min-1 at 8 km·h-1 changed by +3.8% immediately after the intervention (0), by +1.6% after 24 h, and by 0% after 48 h. At 10 km·h-1, the changes were 6.3 - 4.3 - 0.4%, and at 12 km.h-1 they were 5.2 - 4.3 - 1.5%. According to the available literature, it was realistic to expect a peak of O2 consumption during 48 h after the intervention, but this was not observed. The results show the greatest deterioration of RE immediately after the intervention, with a subsequent decline of O2 consumption to resting levels within 48 h.