Effect of additional speed endurance training on performance and muscle adaptations

Thomas Gunnarsson, Peter Møller Christensen, Kris Holse, Danny Christiansen, Jens Bangsbo

    36 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: The present study examined the effect of additional speed endurance training (SET) during the season on muscle adaptations and performance of trained soccer players. METHODS: Eighteen subelite soccer players performed one session with six to nine 30-s intervals at an intensity of 90%-95% of maximal intensity (SET) a week for 5 wk (SET intervention). Before and after the SET intervention, the players carried out the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) test, a sprint test (10 and 30 m), and an agility test. In addition, seven of the players had a resting muscle biopsy specimen taken and they carried out a running protocol on a motorized treadmill before and after the SET intervention. RESULTS: After the SET intervention, the Yo-Yo IR2 test (n = 13) performance was 11% better (P < 0.05), whereas sprint (n = 15) and agility (n = 13) performances were unchanged. The expression of the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (n = 6) was 9% higher (P < 0.05). and the expression of the Na/K pump subunit β1 (n = 6) was 13% lower (P < 0.05) after the SET intervention. The Na/K pump subunits α1, α2, as well as the monocarboxylate transporter 4 and the Na/H exchanger 1 (n = 6) were unchanged. After the SET intervention, the relative number of Type IIx fibers and oxygen consumption at 10 km•h were lower (P < 0.05), whereas V̇O2max was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, adding ∼30 min of SET once a week during the season for trained soccer players did lead to an improved ability to perform repeated high-intensity exercise, with a concomitant increase in the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 and an improved running economy.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
    Volume44
    Issue number10
    Pages (from-to)1942-1948
    Number of pages7
    ISSN0195-9131
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012

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