Interference Effect of Concurrent (Simultaneous Strength and Endurance) Training on Maximum Strength and VO2max Development

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interference effect of concurrent strength and endurance training on maximum strength and VO2max in non-athletes. For this purpose, 34 sedentary healthy men (mean age 22±1.18 years, height 173.61±6.48 cm, and weight 56.13±8.50 kg) voluntarily participated in this study. Initially, subjects were randomly assigned to one of four training groups: strength (n=8), endurance (n=10), concurrent (n=8) and control (n=8). Endurance group performed Bumpa interval endurance training program for 6 weeks (3 days per week, 12.30 – 25 minutes, 50-70%HRR), strength group performed resistance program for 6 weeks (3 days per week, 6 exercises, 3 sets, 75-85% 1-RM), and combined group performed a combination of strength and endurance training for 6 weeks. Control group did not participate in any of the above mentioned training programs. All subjects performed VO2max (Bruce test) and maximum strength (mechanical lift) tests before and after the training program. One–way ANOVA was applied to examine the hypotheses. The results of paired T test showed that concurrent training significantly increased strength (p=0.000) and VO2max (p=0.000). Moreover, there was no significant difference in VO2max between concurrent (16%) and endurance (18%) (p=0.95) and in maximum strength between concurrent (31%) and strength (39%) (p=0.31).Concurrent strength and endurance training did not interfere with maximum strength and VO2max development when compared to strength and endurance training.