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Keywords: strength; high intensity exercise endurance; low intensity exercise endurance
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Endurance can be defined as the ability to maintain or to repeat a given force or power output. The sport performance-endurance relationship is a multi-factorial concept. However, evidence indicates that maximum strength is a major component. Conceptually, endurance is a continuum. The literature indicates that (a) maximum strength is moderately to strongly related to endurance capabilities and associated factors, a relationship that is likely stronger for high intensity exercise endurance (HIEE) activities than for low intensity exercise endurance (LIEE); (b) strength training can increase both HIEE and LIEE, the effect being greater for HIEE; (c) the volume of strength training plays a role in endurance adaptation; and (d) mechanical specificity and training program variables also play a role in the degree of adaptation.
Most coaches and athletes would argue that endurance is a factor that can affect sports performance. However, definitions of endurance vary from sport to sport. For this discussion, endurance is defined as the ability to maintain or repeat a given force or power output.
Although explaining the performance-strength relationship in sports is a multi-factorial concept, evidence indicates that maximum strength is likely a key component (37, 39, 52). The purpose of this discussion is to consider briefly the association of measures of maximum strength and the effects of strength training in relation to shortand long-duration endurance and endurance-related factors. Particular attention was given to sports performance related-endurance factors. Evidence from different types of reviewed cross sectional and longitudinal research was considered; in conceptual areas for which few reviewed publications could be found, theses, abstracts, and observational information were considered in conjunction with reviewed articles. Semi-isokinetic device research was not extensively reviewed for two reasons: first, questions have been raised as to the external validity of these devices and second, coaches and athletes do not typically have access to these devices and they are not commonly used in the training or testing and monitoring of athletes (53). Collectively, the information indicates that the association between maximum strength and sports performance-related endurance factors is stronger than might be expected.
In order to better understand the strength/endurance relationship, a definition of strength is necessary. Strength can be defined as the ability to produce...