Concurrent strength and endurance training effects on aerobic and anaerobic power

The effect on aerobic and anaerobic power of adding strength training to the aerobic program of fit women was investigated. Subjects were randomly assigned to endurance (E, n = 7) or endurance + strength (ES, n = 14). E and ES maintained endurance training (3.6 hrs/wk) while ES added high intensity strength training to their regimen (2d/wk for 6 wks >85% 1RM). VO2max, time to exhaustion (TE), and blood lactate response were determined on a bicycle. A Wingate test determined peak watts (w), w/kgLBM, and mean watts over 30 seconds (w/30). Vertical jump (VJ), and body composition were measured. E had no significant change (p < 0.05) in any variable. ES had no change in VO2max or blood lactate. However, ES significantly increased TE by 24 seconds (p = 0.003). Also, ES significantly improved the following: VJ = 22.3 +/- 11.5%, p = 0.000; w = 14.6 +/- 17.9%, p = 0.001; w/kg = 13.2 +/- 18.0%, p = 0.004; w/kgLBM = 12.1 +/- 18.3%, p = 0.10; w/30 = 14.7 +/- 23.1, p = 0.021; lean body mass = 1.1kg, p = 0.007; and significantly reduced bodyfat by 1.5% (p = 0.027).