The Effects of Resistance Training on Running Economy and Plantarflexor Function in Middle-Age Runners

Author

Zoey C. Kearns

Date

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Health Studies

Committee Chair

Max Paquette

Committee Member

Jason R Franz

Committee Member

Douglass W Powell

Abstract

Endurance running exposure alone may not be sufficient to slow the age-related decline in plantarflexor function that is also thought to contribute to declines in running economy. Thus, it is important to identify interventions beyond running alone, plantarflexor-focused resistance training, that could help maintain plantarflexor function and “youthful” metabolic costs in aging runners. PURPOSE: To assess the influence of three types of resistance training interventions on running economy (RE), plantarflexor function, and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness in middle-aged runners. METHODS: Twenty-six middle-aged runners (51±5 yrs) participated in one of three different 10-week resistance training interventions: 1) heavy resistance training, 2) heavy resistance training + plyometrics, and 3) endurance resistance training + plyometrics. Laboratory testing for RE, peak plantarflexor torque, and AT stiffness during isometric contractions occurred before and after the interventions. A mixed-design repeated measures ANOVA was used to address our research question and paired and independent t-tests were used to compare time and group effects, respectively. RESULTS: Relative (to V ̇O_2max) running economy (-2.4%, p=0.016), AT stiffness (26.1%, p=0.002), and peak isometric plantarflexor torque (26.4%, p=0.001) improved over time with no interaction or group effects. No significant interaction, time, or group effects were observed forV ̇O_2max and peak plantarflexor torque, peak positive ankle power, or positive and negative ankle work while running. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that resistance training improves running economy for middle-aged, recreational runners, potentially by inducing increases in AT stiffness. We present a novel finding that multiple modalities of resistance training increase AT stiffness and improve running economy in middle-aged runners.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open access

Recommended Citation

Kearns, Zoey C., "The Effects of Resistance Training on Running Economy and Plantarflexor Function in Middle-Age Runners" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3407.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/3407