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DIFFERENT CROSS TRAINING MODALITIES ON PERFORMANCE AND INJURY PREVENTION IN COMPETITIVE DISTANCE RUNNERS

Abstract

Hannah Oliver, Jarrett Walbolt. Montreat College, Montreat, NC.

BACKGROUND: Competitive distance running imparts chronic impact loads on the body, leading to an inherent increase in injury risk. Cross training is commonly utilized to help counteract some of the adverse effects and overuse on a runner’s body, along with maintaining or improving their running performance. Despite their common use and speculation, the relative merits of different forms of cross-training have yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of different modalities of cross training on runner’s performance and injury prevention in competitive distance runners. METHODS: 40 male and female competitive distance runners will be recruited. Participants will be randomly divided into four equal groups. Three groups will replace two days of run training with either elliptical bike, cycling, or swimming. The fourth group will continue typical run training At baseline, each participant will complete a 5k time trial, VO2max test, running economy, HRV, and hip maximal isometric contractions. Participants will then participate in their assigned cross-training for 12 weeks. After the 12 week training protocol is complete, baseline measures will be taken again to test for changes. A repeated measures ANOVA will be utilized to test for significant results. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is expected that performance, as measured by VO2max, running economy, and 5k time trial, will be improved across all cross training modalities when compared to the only running group, with the largest effect found in swimming due to the increased demands swimming has on the cardiovascular system. It is also expected that the stabilizing movements involved in swimming and the elliptical bike will improve hip strength greater than running only or cycling.

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