Effects of concurrent training on the Chinese female elite triathletes

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an 8-week concurrent strength-endurance training program on the performance of elite female triathletes in China. Twelve female national team members (age 18.41 ± 1.44 years) completed a phased concurrent training program, which included strength (three times per week) and endurance (three times per week) modules. TRIMP was used to monitor training load. The test indicators included 1RM strength, vertical jump (CMJ/SJ), swimming/running performance, and short- and medium-distance triathlon simulation races. The results showed that 1RM squat (+4.23% ± 2.99%, P < 0.001), relative squat strength (+3.96% ± 3.0%, P < 0.001), static jump (SJ, + 3.65% ± 1.42%, P < 0.001), 400-meter swimming (−0.85% ± 0.25%, P < 0.001), 2000-meter running (−0.47% ± 0.48%, P < 0.01), and short-distance triathlon performance (−3.63% ± 0.11%, P < 0.001) significantly improved. Maximum output power increased by 5.52 ± 3.06 W (P < 0.001), but VO2max and medium-distance triathlon performance remained unchanged. Concurrent training effectively enhanced the lower limb explosive power and short-distance performance of elite female triathletes through neuromuscular adaptations, and the intervention effects were sustainable, supporting its integration into periodized training programs.