Part I: Biomechanics

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the sequence of strength training before endurance training (ST/ET) is more or less effective than endurance training followed by strength training (ET/ST). Twenty‐three females and 11 males were assigned to one of three groups: ST/ET (n= 15), ET/ST (n= 15) or control (n = 4). The 7‐week training programme consisted of strength training using 10 exercises for two sets of 3–12 repetitions and running for 20–25 min at 60–90% of heart rate reserve. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) was measured during a graded treadmill test, and muscular strength was assessed using one‐repetition maximum tests for the bench press (BP), shoulder press (SP), arm curl (AC) and leg press (LP). The VO₂ max significantly (P < 0.05) increased 6.7 and 6.2% for the ST/ET and ET/ST groups, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the two experimental groups. Muscular strength significantly (P <0.05) improved by 15.2% (BP), 16.6% (SP), 17.2% (AC) and 11.9% (LP) for the ST/ET group and 19.9% (BP), 24.1% (SP), 20.9% (AC) and 14.0% (LP) for the ET/ST group. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the two experimental groups for the BP, AC and LP; however, the ET/ST group increased (P < 0.05) SP strength more than the ST/ET group. In conclusion, adaptations to a combination of short‐term endurance and strength training as assessed by VO₂ max and BP, AC and LP strength appear to be independent of whether endurance training occurs prior to or following strength training.