Award Date
5-1-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences
First Committee Member
Julia Freedman Silvernail
Second Committee Member
John Mercer
Third Committee Member
Brian K. Schilling
Fourth Committee Member
Stephen Caplan
Number of Pages
49
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference between the running economy of endurance runners who regularly practice strength training versus those who do not. Twenty-five endurance runners participated in this study (15 strength trained (STR), 10 non-strength trained (NON)). Participants completed two lower limb strength tests and one running economy test. Participants were measured for height, body mass, and lean leg mass. Modified Reactive Strength Index (mRSI) was measured with a countermovement rebound jump using Vald force decks. Relative Peak Vertical Force (relative PVF) was measured with an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test. Running economy (RE) was determined by having athletes run at a preferred speed and measuring oxygen uptake (VO2) during a 10-minute run. Results for RE, relative PVF, or mRSI between groups were not statistically significantly different; NON (31.74±6.57; 29.75±4.65; 0.40±0.19) and STR (33.34±4.99; 29.56±3.11; 0.41±0.15) respectively. Additionally, there were positive correlations between strength measures and both RE (mRSI: r=0.402, p=0.046; relative PVF: r=0.545, p=0.005) and preferred running velocity (mRSI: r=0.467, p=0.019; relative PVF: r=0.506, p=0.01). We determined that the inclusion of strength training has no negative effect on RE. Furthermore, stronger athletes performed better than non-strength training endurance athletes. Therefore, the inclusion of strength training may be beneficial for endurance athletes to incorporate into their training regimens.
Controlled Subject
Sports--Physiological aspects; Running; Endurance sports--Training
Disciplines
Biomechanics | Kinesiology | Medical Physiology | Physiology
File Format
File Size
949 KB
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Repository Citation
Ivanov, Dora, "The Investigation into The Relationship Between Strength and Running Economy" (2025). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 5291.
https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations/5291
Rights
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