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Musculotendinous Adaptations to Strength and Endurance Training in Cyclists (STEND)

16 juni 2026 bijgewerkt door: Lithuanian Sports University

Transient Neuromuscular and Muscle-Tendon Adaptations Following Strength vs Endurance-Only Training in Competitive-Level Cyclists

This study investigated whether adding strength training to regular endurance training improves performance and muscle function in competitive cyclists. Endurance training is essential for cycling performance, while strength training has been widely recognised as a complementary strategy that may enhance performance and reduce injury risk. However, in practice, strength training is often performed only during limited periods of the training season, and it remains unclear to what extent the adaptations achieved are maintained during subsequent phases of endurance-focused training.

Male competitive cyclists were assigned to either a 10-week off-season combined strength and endurance training programme or an endurance-only training programme. The strength training group performed two weekly strength sessions in addition to their usual cycling training, while the control group continued with endurance training only.

Participants were assessed at four time points: before the intervention, after the initial 10-week training period, after a high-volume endurance training camp, and during a competition preparation phase. Measurements included body composition, muscle strength, explosive force production, muscle and tendon structure, and cycling performance variables such as maximal power output and aerobic capacity.

The primary aim of the study was to determine whether short-term strength training enhances neuromuscular performance and muscle-tendon characteristics in trained cyclists, and whether these adaptations are maintained or reduced when strength training is discontinued. A secondary aim was to examine how these changes interact with endurance adaptations across different phases of the training season.

It was hypothesised that strength training would improve muscle strength, power, and muscle-tendon structure, but that these adaptations would be partially reduced during subsequent training phases without continued strength stimulus.

Studie Overzicht

Toestand

Voltooid

Conditie

Interventie / Behandeling

Gedetailleerde beschrijving

This study was designed to investigate the effects of adding a short-term strength training intervention to regular endurance training in competitive cyclists, with a particular focus on neuromuscular, muscle-tendon, and performance adaptations across different phases of the training season. The study also aimed to examine the persistence of these adaptations during subsequent periods characterised by endurance-only training.

The intervention was implemented during the off-season period and consisted of a 10-week training phase in which participants completed either a combined strength and endurance programme (ST) or an endurance-only programme (END). The strength training programme was integrated into the athletes' regular training routine and included two weekly sessions targeting major lower-limb muscle groups, with the objective of improving maximal strength and explosive force production. Training load and content were aligned with the athletes' overall training plans to ensure ecological validity within a competitive cycling context.

Following this initial training phase, all participants continued with their regular endurance training through two distinct phases of the competitive season. The first phase consisted of a high-volume endurance training camp, primarily aimed at increasing training load and aerobic conditioning. The second phase corresponded to a competition preparation period, characterised by adjustments in training intensity and volume to optimise performance for competition. This sequential design allowed the assessment of both the development and the retention of adaptations induced by strength training under realistic training conditions.

A comprehensive non-invasive testing battery was implemented to capture adaptations across multiple physiological and performance domains. Neuromuscular assessments included measures of maximal strength, maximal voluntary contraction, rate of force development, and sprint-specific mechanical variables. Muscle-tendon characteristics were evaluated using imaging-based assessments of quadriceps muscle thickness and patellar tendon morphology. In addition, cycling-specific performance was assessed through measures of maximal power output, sprint performance, aerobic capacity, and gross efficiency. Anthropometric measurements were also collected to monitor potential changes in body composition.

The study was conducted using a repeated-measures design with multiple time points spanning the transition from the off-season to the competition period. This approach enabled the evaluation of both short-term training effects and their evolution over time. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding the interaction between strength training-induced adaptations and subsequent endurance training stimuli, as well as the extent to which neuromuscular and structural adaptations are maintained in the absence of continued strength training.

Overall, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the role of strength training in endurance-trained athletes, addressing both its effectiveness as a complementary training modality and the temporal stability of the adaptations it induces within a typical competitive season.

Studietype

Ingrijpend

Inschrijving (Werkelijk)

24

Fase

  • Niet toepasbaar

Contacten en locaties

In dit gedeelte vindt u de contactgegevens van degenen die het onderzoek uitvoeren en informatie over waar dit onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd.

Studie Locaties

  • Litouwen
      • Kaunas, Litouwen, LT-44221
        • Lithuanian Sports University

Deelname Criteria

Onderzoekers zoeken naar mensen die aan een bepaalde beschrijving voldoen, de zogenaamde geschiktheidscriteria. Enkele voorbeelden van deze criteria zijn iemands algemene gezondheidstoestand of eerdere behandelingen.

Geschiktheidscriteria

Leeftijden die in aanmerking komen voor studie

  • Volwassen

Accepteert gezonde vrijwilligers

Ja

Beschrijving

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male competitive cyclist
  • Aged 18 to 40 years
  • Minimum of 3 years of structured cycling training experience
  • Actively competing during the previous cycling season
  • Following a structured training programme with planned competitions
  • Able to participate in all training sessions and testing procedures
  • Free from medical conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training or performance
  • History of major lower-limb injury within the past 10 years
  • Presence of any cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disease
  • Use of medications that may affect physical performance or training adaptations
  • Inability to comply with the training programme or testing schedule
  • Participation in another structured strength training programme during the study period

Studie plan

Dit gedeelte bevat details van het studieplan, inclusief hoe de studie is opgezet en wat de studie meet.

Hoe is de studie opgezet?

Ontwerpdetails

  • Primair doel: Fundamentele wetenschap
  • Toewijzing: Gerandomiseerd
  • Interventioneel model: Parallelle opdracht
  • Masker: Enkel

Wapens en interventies

Deelnemersgroep / Arm
Interventie / Behandeling
Actieve vergelijker: Endurance Training (END)
Endurance training group, performing their classical training routine
Gedragsmatig: Endurance training
The endurance-only group continued their usual cycling training without additional strength training. Following the intervention, all participants performed endurance-only training during a high-volume training camp and a subsequent competition preparation phase.
Andere namen:
  • Endurance only training
Experimenteel: Strength + Endurance Training (ST)
Strength training group, performing 10-weeks off-season strength training (2 session/week) in addition to their endurance training routine.
Gedragsmatig: Endurance training
The endurance-only group continued their usual cycling training without additional strength training. Following the intervention, all participants performed endurance-only training during a high-volume training camp and a subsequent competition preparation phase.
Andere namen:
  • Endurance only training
Gedragsmatig: Strength training
Participants allocated to the combined strength and endurance training group completed two supervised strength training sessions per week for 10 weeks in addition to their habitual cycling training. The strength programme targeted major lower-limb muscle groups (e.g., quadriceps, hip extensors) and was designed to improve maximal strength and explosive force production using multi-joint resistance exercises. Training variables (e.g., load, volume, progression) were adjusted throughout the intervention according to training phase. The endurance-only group continued their usual cycling training without additional strength training. Following the intervention, all participants performed endurance-only training during a high-volume training camp and a subsequent competition preparation phase.

Wat meet het onderzoek?

Primaire uitkomstmaten

Uitkomstmaat
Maatregel Beschrijving
Tijdsspanne
Knee extensors strength - One repetition maximum (1RM) (kg)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Maximal strength (kg) for the leg extension was estimated from a five-repetition maximum (5RM) test conducted according to National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines in two exercises (barbell squat and leg press). The corresponding 1RM values were estimated using the ExRx.net calculator.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Quadriceps muscles thickness (mm)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Quadriceps muscle thickness (mm) (vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis) assessed using B-mode ultrasound imaging.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (Nm)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensors assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer (System 3; Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). Following a 5-min warm-up on a cycle ergometer at a self-selected workload and cadence, participants were seated upright in the dynamometer chair with double shoulder straps securing the upper body and were verbally encouraged to exert maximal effort. Three MVC trials were performed at a knee joint angle of 70 o (full extension = 0 deg) and the highest peak torque (Nm) was used for analysis. Each trial was separated by 1 minute of rest, and two submaximal warm-up contractions were completed before testing.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Isokinetic peak torque (Nm)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Isokinetic concentric peak torque of the knee extensors assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer (System 3; Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). Following a 5-min warm-up on a cycle ergometer at a self-selected workload and cadence, participants were seated upright in the dynamometer chair with double shoulder straps securing the upper body and were verbally encouraged to exert maximal effort. Three maximal concentric contractions performed at a knee joint angle of 70 deg (full extension = 0 deg) and at 60 deg/s, and the highest peak torque (Nm) was used for analysis. Each trial was separated by 1 minute of rest, and two submaximal warm-up contractions were completed before testing.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Patellar tendon cross-sectional area (mm2)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Patellar tendon morphological changes assessed using B-mode ultrasound imaging - cross-sectional area (square millimetres).
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18

Secundaire uitkomstmaten

Uitkomstmaat
Maatregel Beschrijving
Tijdsspanne
Body mass (kg)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Body mass (kg) assessed using standard anthropometric methods.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Height (cm)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Height (cm) assessed using standard anthropometric methods.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Body mass (kg) and height (m) will be used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2).
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Body fat %
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
To estimate body fat (%), skinfold thickness was assessed with a GIMA Skinfold Caliper, featuring a precision of 0.2 mm, at the following sites on the right side of the body: triceps, biceps, mid-axillary, chest, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac, thigh, and calf. The percentage of fat mass (BF%) were derived using the Jackson and Pollock equation (7-sites) and by the Siri equation. BF% was calculated from body density (BD) using SIRI equation.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (L/min, ml/min/kg)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
For the determination of VO2max, participants initiated with a standardized warm-up at 120 W for 5-min, followed by an incremental ramp test protocol (20 W/min) on an electromagnetically braked ergometer (Lode Excalibur Sport, Lode BV). The cyclists were free to choose their pedaling cadence, and the ergometer's configuration was tailored to individual preferences and requisites. Real-time analysis of gas exchange was conducted using a spiroergometric device operating in breath-by-breath mode (MetaLyzer 3B, Cortex Biophysik), with the gas analyzer calibrated prior to each session. Heart rate was continuously monitored via a chest strap heart rate monitor (Polar H10, Polar Electro). The VO2max was determined as the highest consecutive 30-second rolling average value attained during the test.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Maximal aerobic power (MAP) (W, W/kg)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
For the determination of maximal aerobic power (MAP), participants initiated with a standardized warm-up at 120 W for 5-min, followed by an incremental ramp test protocol (20 W/min) on an electromagnetically braked ergometer (Lode Excalibur Sport, Lode BV). The cyclists were free to choose their pedaling cadence, and the ergometer's configuration was tailored to individual preferences and requisites. The maximal aerobic power (MAP) was identified as the maximum sustained power value achieved for a minimum duration of 1 second during the test. Both variables were quantified i
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Cycling gross efficiency (%)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Cycling gross efficiency (GE) was measured employing the MetaLyzer (MetaLyzer 3B, Cortex Biophysik) for gas exchange analysis and the Excalibur Sport bike ergometer (Lode Excalibur Sport, Lode BV). After a 5-min warm up, participants sustained a consistent cadence of 75±2 rpm while pedaling for 8-min, exerting efforts at intensities corresponding to 45% of the MAP achieved during the maximal incremental exercise test. Gross efficiency (%) was calculated for each stage using the formula: (Total work)/(Energy expended )×100. Data validity was ascertained when the respiratory exchange ratio remained stable below 1, and calculations excluded the initial minute to ensure the attainment of gas exchange plateau.
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Sprint peak power (W, W/kg)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
To ensure procedural familiarity, each athlete participated in two simulation trials (i.e., spinning till sprint start and holding the sprint session for 1-2 seconds approximately) before the official 6-sec sprint commenced. Subsequently, participants exerted their utmost sprinting effort throughout the entire 6 s duration while receiving robust verbal encouragement. The Excalibur Sport bike ergometer (Lode Excalibur Sport, Lode BV) was employed for this sprint test, with the resistance (torque factor) set at 0.75 N×kg-1 of body mass and equipped with cyclist preferred pedals. The resistance was applied with a cadence threshold of 100 rpm, following a 30 s warm-up at 150 W. The sprint 1-s peak power was quantified both in absolute terms and relative to the participant's body mass (W, W/kg).
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
Sprint peak crank torque (Nm, Nm/kg)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18
To ensure procedural familiarity, each athlete participated in two simulation trials (i.e., spinning till sprint start and holding the sprint session for 1-2 seconds approximately) before the official 6-sec sprint commenced. Subsequently, participants exerted their utmost sprinting effort throughout the entire 6 s duration while receiving robust verbal encouragement. The Excalibur Sport bike ergometer (Lode Excalibur Sport, Lode BV) was employed for this sprint test, with the resistance (torque factor) set at 0.75 N×kg-1 of body mass and equipped with cyclist preferred pedals. The resistance was applied with a cadence threshold of 100 rpm, following a 30 s warm-up at 150 W. The sprint 1-s peak crank torque was quantified both in absolute terms and relative to the participant's body mass (Nm, Nm/kg).
Baseline (Week 0), Week 10, Week 14, and Week 18

Medewerkers en onderzoekers

Hier vindt u mensen en organisaties die betrokken zijn bij dit onderzoek.

Sponsor

Lithuanian Sports University

Publicaties en nuttige links

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Algemene publicaties

Studie record data

Deze datums volgen de voortgang van het onderzoeksdossier en de samenvatting van de ingediende resultaten bij ClinicalTrials.gov. Studieverslagen en gerapporteerde resultaten worden beoordeeld door de National Library of Medicine (NLM) om er zeker van te zijn dat ze voldoen aan specifieke kwaliteitscontrolenormen voordat ze op de openbare website worden geplaatst.

Bestudeer belangrijke data

Studie start (Werkelijk)

1 september 2023

Primaire voltooiing (Werkelijk)

1 juni 2024

Studie voltooiing (Werkelijk)

1 juni 2024

Studieregistratiedata

Eerst ingediend

1 juni 2026

Eerst ingediend dat voldeed aan de QC-criteria

16 juni 2026

Eerst geplaatst (Werkelijk)

18 juni 2026

Updates van studierecords

Laatste update geplaatst (Werkelijk)

18 juni 2026

Laatste update ingediend die voldeed aan QC-criteria

16 juni 2026

Laatst geverifieerd

1 juni 2026

Meer informatie

Termen gerelateerd aan deze studie

Trefwoorden

Aanvullende relevante MeSH-voorwaarden

Andere studie-ID-nummers

  • MNl-SVa(M)-2023-578

Plan Individuele Deelnemersgegevens (IPD)

Bent u van plan om gegevens van individuele deelnemers (IPD) te delen?

NEE

Beschrijving IPD-plan

Individual participant personal data will not be made publicly available due to institutional regulations, ethical considerations, and data protection requirements.

Informatie over medicijnen en apparaten, studiedocumenten

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd geneesmiddel

Nee

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd apparaatproduct

Nee

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