Strength beyond miles: Impact of maximum strength, endurance, and hypertrophy training on youth endurance performance

Strength training is increasingly recognized as an important factor in enhancing athletic performance, yet limited evidence exists on its specific effects in youth endurance athletes, particularly during adolescence, which is a critical period of physical development. This study aimed to address this gap by evaluating the impact of three different strength training approaches, that are maximum strength, strength endurance, and hypertrophy on performance in adolescent male endurance runners. Sixty participants aged 13-17 were randomly assigned to a control group or one of three experimental groups (n = 15 each). Each experimental group undertook targeted strength training in addition to their regular running program. Performance was assessed through 1500 m run times, with additional strength and physiological measures (1RM test, push-up test, and anthropometric data) collected for the respective training modalities. Results from mixed ANOVA indicated that maximum strength training produced the greatest improvements in both running performance and strength, followed by strength endurance training, which also enhanced running efficiency. Hypertrophy training improved body composition but had limited effect on endurance performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating structured strength training, particularly maximum strength and strength endurance, into adolescent endurance programs to optimize both athletic development and long-term performance outcomes.

This study evaluates the impact of strength training on adolescent endurance performance.