Effect of running versus cycle training on cycle ergometer, treadmill, and running performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the physical and physiologic changes induced by 9 weeks of equivalent amounts of high‐intensity running (n = 8) and cycle ergometer training (n = 8) on treadmill maximal oxygen uptake (YO_2max), cycle ergometer peak VO₂, a 1609 m (1.0 mile) running time, and a submaximal treadmill running VO₂, heart rate, and accumulated lactate concentration in normal young men ages 25.1 ± 1.2 years (mean ± SE). Subjects began by training 4 days per week at 75 to 80% maximum heart rate (MHR) and during weeks 3 to 9 they exercised at 80 to 85% MHR. Interval training at 90 to 95% MHR was also added 2 days per week (total of 40 to 45 minutes). Both groups significantly (p ≤ s 0.01) improved treadmill VO_2rnax and cycle ergometer peak VO₂. There was no difference in the amount of improvement between the groups on each test. For the cycle‐trained group, mean percent increases in peak VO_2max improvement on the treadmill and cycle ergometer were similar, whereas the running group mean percent change on the same tests showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) superior gain on the treadmill. Group mean running time significantly improved (p ≤ 0.01) for both groups; however, a significant between‐group interaction (p ≤ 0.05) for the 1609 m run indicated a differential effect on the magnitude of change favoring the running group. Results indicate that 9 weeks of equivalent intensity cycle training may be utilized as a substitute for running training with a relatively similar gain in treadmill‐ and cycle ergometer‐tested aerobic power.

Keywords:

• specificity of training
• aerobic power
• running
• cycling
• interval training