Strength Training and Cycling Case Study: Evidence-Based Practice Analysis

Ask a Question

The case study is an excellent example of crafting a research question, a fundamental evidence-based practice (EBP) starting point. The question is to assess whether resistance training combined with a cycling-specific training program improves cycling performance in terms of time trial performance and other cycling indicators. This is in alignment with the PICO method (Population: competitive road riders, Intervention: resistance training, Comparison: isolated endurance training, Outcome: improved cycling performance) (Amonette et al., 2016): Strength Training and Cycling Case Study: Evidence-Based Practice Analysis.

The study is an excellent example of a developed research question, though it would be even better if it were more specific to describe various strength training modes, high-repetition versus heavy resistance, and their respective effects on cycling performance (Prieto-González & Sedlacek, 2022). This would be a more refined question with a more explicit application to making training recommendations.

Find Evidence

The case study is a highly structured process of searching, demonstrating strict adherence to EBP’s second step. The use of Google Scholar to initially search for relevant studies was subsequently followed up using PubMed in a secondary search using systematic review search terms. The process resulted in several studies screened for pertinence and quality, of which five passed (Amonette et al., 2016).

Filtering studies that did not directly relate to competitive cyclists allowed it to be possible to use relevant studies in the analysis. The process is, nevertheless, lacking in that it does not indicate other high-standard sources, such as Cochrane Reviews or ScienceDirect, that would provide more relevant studies to support evidence in making more decisive conclusions in breadth.

Evaluate the Evidence

The case study critically examines five studies, comparing their results and methodological quality. Three studies reported positive effects, stating that substituting a portion of endurance training with strength training improved power output and time trial performance. However, two studies established no improvement, suggesting that heavy resistance training is not helpful to endurance performance and even increases body mass, possibly reversing strength gain.

The case study is fair in acknowledging such varied results, noting that adaptations to training would be contingent on variables such as intensity, volume, and resistance training. However, it does not employ a standardized measurement instrument such as the PEDro scale or GRADE system that would have provided a more structured analysis of study quality (Albanese et al., 2020). With such tools, the analysis process would be more objective in comparing studies’ results.

Implement the Evidence

Implementing evidence to practice is mentioned but not explicit in its prescription of recommendations. The case study suggests that Zeke would benefit by incorporating resistance work in his regimen in the form of high-repetition, lower-body strength work, and plyometrics, yet it does not provide explicit instruction in periodizing strength work in conjunction with endurance work to obtain maximal benefits with a minimum of undesirable side effects, such as increases in body mass. Zeke’s concern regarding weight gain is also not addressed using evidence that differentiates between hypertrophic and neuromuscular adaptations to resistance work (Lopez et al., 2020). More detail in a prescription of strength work’s frequency, intensity, and periodization would provide more usability evidence for Zeke’s training purposes.

Periodically Reevaluate the Question or Evidence

The case study is lacking because it does not address the need for regular review, a fundamental component of EBP. As new evidence is likely to occur, different individuals’ response to training is varied. Hence, there is a need for regular review to determine whether or not the intervention will continue to work for Zeke.

An example is monitoring Zeke’s cycling performance over time, that is, time trial results, power output, and fatigue resistance, to enable his strength training regimen to be adjusted accordingly (Spangler, 2019). A periodic literature review would also be needed to use new evidence in strength training in endurance sports. Applying a planned follow-up schedule would enable decisions on training to be continually refined in line with evolving evidence.

References

Albanese, E., Bütikofer, L., Armijo‐Olivo, S., Ha, C., & Egger, M. (2020). Construct validity of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) quality scale for randomized trials: Item response theory and factor analyses. Research Synthesis Methods, 11(2), 227–236. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrsm.1385

Amonette, W. E., English, K. L., & Kraemer, W. J. (2016). Evidence-based practice in exercise science: The six-step approach. Human Kinetics Publishers.

Lopez, P., Radaelli, R., Taaffe, D. R., Newton, R. U., Galvão, D. A., Trajano, G. S., Teodoro, J., Kraemer, W. J., Häkkinen, K., & Pinto, R. S. (2020). Resistance training load effects on muscle hypertrophy and strength gain. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Publish Ahead of Print(6). https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0000000000002585

Prieto-González, P., & Sedlacek, J. (2022). Effects of running-specific strength training, endurance training, and concurrent training on recreational endurance athletes’ performance and selected anthropometric parameters. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10773. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710773

Spangler, C. (2019, April 11). Steps to successfully start a gym franchise. Rush Cycle Studio. https://www.rushcycle.com/blog/steps-to-successfully-start-a-gym-franchise/

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

Week 1 assignment PTR376: Please use text book referance below and web links
Prompt:
Read Case Study 1: Strength Training and Cycling in Chapter 12 of your textbook. Explain specifically how the case study addresses or fails to address each of the original five steps of evidence-based practice.

You’ll want to be sure to detail the five steps before cross-referencing with Case Study 1. Please make sure that your assignment is at least 300 words in length and that you cite any outside sources that are used.

Strength Training and Cycling Case Study: Evidence-Based Practice Analysis

Reading Assignment

• Amonette, W. E. (2016). Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science. Human Kinetics Publishers. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781492572367
  • Chapter 1
  • Chapter 2
  • Chapter 3

Weblinks Week 1
Below are links to resources that will complement the material covered this week.

• National Council on Strength and Fitness professional code of ethics:
  • https://www.ncsf.org/about/code-of-ethicsLinks to an external site.
• Article on opening a fitness center:
  • https://www.rushcycle.com/blog/steps-to-successfully-start-a-gym-franchise/Links to an external site.
• Personal Trainer jobs on Indeed:
  • https://www.indeed.com/q-Personal-Trainer-jobs.htmlLinks to an external site.