High-Resistance Interval Training Improves 40-Km Time-Trial Performance in Competitive Cyclists‪.‬

Interval training at race-specific high cadences improves endurance cycling performance, but there is evidence that adding resistance to reduce the cadence might be more effective. AIM. To determine the effect of high-resistance interval training on endurance performance of male cyclists during the competition phase of a season. METHODS. In a randomized controlled trial, 10 cyclists in a control group maintained usual training and competing while 12 cyclists in an experimental group replaced part of their usual training with high resistance interval training twice weekly for 8 wk. Mean power in a 40-km simulated time trial, maximal oxygen consumption (V[O.sub.2max]), incremental peak power, body composition, and leg strength were measured before and after training. RESULTS. Relative to control training, there were clear beneficial effects of resistance training on 40-km mean power (7.6%, 90% confidence limits [+ or -] 5.0%). There were also clear beneficial effects on incremental peak power (3.5%, [+ or -] 4.2%), V[O.sub.2max] in ml.[min.sup.-1].[kg.sup.-1] (6.6%, [+ or -] 7.0%), and sum of 8 skinfolds (-12%, [+ or -] 11%). Effects on body mass (-1.6%, [+ or -] 1.9%) and thigh muscle area (0.6%, [+ or -] 2.7%) were possibly trivial. Effects on V[O.sub.2max] in L.[min.sup.-1] and three measures of isokinetic leg strength were unclear, owing to large errors of measurement. CONCLUSIONS. High-resistance interval training produces a major enhancement in endurance power of athletes in the competitive season. The benefits of this form of training should transfer to competitive performance. KEYWORDS: endurance, strength, V[O.sub.2max]. INTRODUCTION