Changes in Neuromuscular Function Across a Competitive Collegiate Cross-Country Season
Abstract
Resistance training strengthens neural adaptations that aid in improving neuromuscular functions such as the rate of force development (RFD) and power execution during an explosive task like a countermovement jump (CMJ). Distance runners do not engage in heavy resistance training and the effects of endurance running on neuromuscular functions are less known but may provide crucial biomarkers for monitoring performance and injury. The purpose of this intervention study was to evaluate changes in neuromuscular function from 7 weeks of competitive distance running without heavy resistance training. Thirteen university runners (age, 19.8±2.2 yrs; height, 1.74±0.10 m; mass, 61.9±9.0 kg) performed 3 CMJ on dual uniaxial force plates at weeks 1 and 7. Running programs were constructed by a university coach and consisted of 64-100 km/week. Variables used to indicate neuromuscular function of RFD and power were height (JH, cm), reactive strength index (RSI, m/s), and RFD (N/s) for both eccentric (loading) and concentric (propulsion) phases of the CMJ. Paired t-tests showed significant decreases in concentric RFD (1291.1±874.1 vs. 686.8±506.2 N/s, p=0.025). While there were decreases in eccentric RFD (2545.9±1767.7 vs. 2293.9±1616.6 N/s) and JH (27.1±6.7 vs. 26.8±7.2 cm), these were not statistically significant, p>0.05. RSI (0.27±0.11 vs. 0.27±0.10 m/s) remained stable, p>0.05. Seven weeks of distance running without heavy resistance training appears to impair the ability to rapidly increase force development during an explosive task while reactivity remains stable. This finding requires further exploration into how this benefits distance runners from performance and/or injury risk perspectives.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Monique Mokha
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Changes in Neuromuscular Function Across a Competitive Collegiate Cross-Country Season
Alvin Sherman Library
Resistance training strengthens neural adaptations that aid in improving neuromuscular functions such as the rate of force development (RFD) and power execution during an explosive task like a countermovement jump (CMJ). Distance runners do not engage in heavy resistance training and the effects of endurance running on neuromuscular functions are less known but may provide crucial biomarkers for monitoring performance and injury. The purpose of this intervention study was to evaluate changes in neuromuscular function from 7 weeks of competitive distance running without heavy resistance training. Thirteen university runners (age, 19.8±2.2 yrs; height, 1.74±0.10 m; mass, 61.9±9.0 kg) performed 3 CMJ on dual uniaxial force plates at weeks 1 and 7. Running programs were constructed by a university coach and consisted of 64-100 km/week. Variables used to indicate neuromuscular function of RFD and power were height (JH, cm), reactive strength index (RSI, m/s), and RFD (N/s) for both eccentric (loading) and concentric (propulsion) phases of the CMJ. Paired t-tests showed significant decreases in concentric RFD (1291.1±874.1 vs. 686.8±506.2 N/s, p=0.025). While there were decreases in eccentric RFD (2545.9±1767.7 vs. 2293.9±1616.6 N/s) and JH (27.1±6.7 vs. 26.8±7.2 cm), these were not statistically significant, p>0.05. RSI (0.27±0.11 vs. 0.27±0.10 m/s) remained stable, p>0.05. Seven weeks of distance running without heavy resistance training appears to impair the ability to rapidly increase force development during an explosive task while reactivity remains stable. This finding requires further exploration into how this benefits distance runners from performance and/or injury risk perspectives.
