2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (26): 4258-4264

Effects of concurrent aerobic and strength training on locomotor performance: a Meta-analysis

Li Gaofeng, Wang Jun   

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To conduct a Meta-analysis on the effects of endurance and strength training on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), vertical jump and upper and lower limb strength (1RM) of different populations, so as to propose the optimal exercise intervention plan.
METHODS: CNKI, PubMed, WanFang, and Web of Science were retrieved from their inception to October 2020. Review Manager 5.4 was used for analyzing the overall effect, heterogeneity, and publication bias using the fixed effect model and random effect model. Finally 15 foreign language documents involving 409 subjects were included and analyzed from different angles.
RESULTS: Concurrent endurance and strength training could improve the maximum oxygen uptake, but was relatively inferior to the traditional endurance training. Concurrent endurance and strength training had no significant effect on the overall strength of the upper and lower limbs. The combined effect size of leg lift, leg flexion and extension, and squat and its 95% confidence interval were 8.47 [-3.95, 20.88], 2.46 [-11.34, 9.73], -0.81 [-2.72, 7.64] (P > 0.1). Concurrent endurance and strength training had certain but no significant effect on vertical jump (mean difference=0.44, 95% confidence interval [-0.97,1.85], P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Concurrent endurance and strength training can improve the body’s maximum oxygen uptake. In sports training, compared with the traditional endurance or strength training alone, concurrent endurance and strength training can maintain the body strength level, while developing other basic qualities such as endurance. Therefore, concurrent endurance and strength training has better benefits for physical fitness compared with strength or endurance training alone. Moreover, concurrent endurance and strength training has less impact on explosive force and overall strength, which can achieve the best results based on an 8-12 week training cycle and 2-3 times per week.
Key words: concurrent training, strength training, endurance performance, Meta-analysis, maximum oxygen uptake, vertical jump, explosive force