Impact of continuous and alternate pace endurance training on aerobic fitness and running performance

The purpose of the present study was to examine the long-term effects of Continuous Endurance Training (CET) and Alternate Pace Endurance Training (APET) on aerobic capacity and speed endurance among middle distance. Thirty male middle distance aged between 18 to 21 years were selected from Surat district. The participants were randomly assigned into two experimental groups, namely Continuous Endurance Training (n = 15) and Alternate Pace Endurance Training (n = 15). Both groups participated in their respective training programmes for a period of ten weeks, with training sessions conducted three alternate days per week. Aerobic capacity was assessed through VO₂ max, while speed endurance was measured using the 800-meter run test. Pre-test and post-test measurements were recorded for both variables. The collected data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to determine the significant differences between the groups, with the level of significance set at 0.05. The findings of the study revealed that both training methods significantly improved aerobic capacity and speed endurance among the participants. However, the Alternate Pace Endurance Training group demonstrated significantly greater improvement compared to the Continuous Endurance Training group. The results indicate that alternate pace endurance training is more effective in enhancing aerobic fitness and speed endurance among middle distance over a prolonged training period.

The study investigates the effects of two training methods on aerobic capacity and running performance.