Performance
BThe Effect of Strength Training on Endurance Performance Determinants in Middle- and Long-Distance Endurance Athletes: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
Ramos-Campo DJ, Andreu-Caravaca L, Clemente-Suarez VJ, Rubio-Arias JA · 2025 · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
REZA evidence rating B: Reasonable confidence
Methodology
Evidence overview
Population
17 systematic reviews (12 with meta-analyses) of middle- and long-distance endurance-trained athletes
Intervention
Maximal-strength (>80% 1RM), explosive-strength (<80% 1RM) and reactive-strength (plyometric) training added to endurance training
Findings
Adding strength training to endurance training improved running/work economy across nearly all included reviews. VO2max showed no significant change, while plyometric training produced small effects on endurance performance. Most included reviews had low or critically low confidence.
Outcome measures
VO2max, running/work economy, maximal aerobic speed or power, lactate thresholds, endurance performance
Limitations
Most included reviews rated low or critically low confidence; no pooled numeric estimates in the abstract; athlete-only populations.
Original source
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005056 · PMID: 40153564
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