Effect of a training macrocycle on physiological indicators, body composition, and explosiveness among recreational runners

Abstract

Purpose. The objective was to verify the effects of equal training applied during a training macrocycle on the physiological indicators, body composition measures, and explosiveness of recreational runners. Methods. The sample consisted of 12 recreational runners, 7 men and 5 women (aged 42.3 ± 5.4 and 39.2 ± 6.5 years, respectively). The macrocycle was 12 weeks long. In pre- and post-training period, the subjects were submitted to anthropometric measurements and tests to determine the maximal oxygen consumption, velocity associated with maximal oxygen consumption, running economy, and strength of the lower limbs. Results. Significant adaptations were verified between the indicators of countermovement jump (p < 0.036) and maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.003). Moderate correlations were observed between weight and countermovement jump ( = -0.664), weight and drop jump ( = -0.657), body fat percentage and drop jump ( = -0.636). Trivial effect sizes were reported for all variables. Conclusions. The results evidenced that the loads applied were sufficient only to generate significant adaptations in the muscle strength and aerobic power of the subjects.