Effects of concurrent strenght and endurance training sequence order on physical fitness performance in adolescent students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the sequence order of concurrent training on physical performance in students. 31 subjects were recruited from a Portuguese public high school and were randomly divided in strength training followed by endurance exercise group (GSE, n=12) and endurance followed by strength training group (GAS, n=11). The training program was performed during physical education classes, 2 times per week during 10 weeks. Anthropometrics and physical variables were assessed before (M1), after 5 weeks of training (M2) and after the training period (M3). Training‐induced significant differences in both groups after the training program [1kg and 3kg medicine ball throw gains (GES: 4.6 to 6.3%, and 3.9 to 6.0%, GSE: 5.0 to 9.3% and 3.0 to 8.4%), VO2max (GES: 2.3 to 3.7%, GSE: 2.8 to 8.0%), push-ups (GES: 11.7 to 12.5%; GSE: 13.3 to 23.5%), standing long jump (GES: 5.1 to 4.3%, GSE: 2.9 to 5.3%), counter movement jump (GES: 5.1 to 4.3%, GES: 3.1 to 8.1%) and sprint running 20m (GES: -1.5 to -1.2%, GSE: -1.0 to -1.7%). Independently of the sequence order, concurrent training appear to change body composition and increase physical fitness in students during physical education classes.