Comparison of Physiological Variables Between the Elliptical Bicycle and Run Training in Experienced Runners

Klein, IE, White, JB, and Rana, SR. Comparison of physiological variables between the elliptical bicycle and run training in experienced runners. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 2998–3006, 2016—A novel outdoor elliptical bicycle (EBIKE) has been designed to elicit running-similar physiological adaptations while reducing the impact forces that commonly lead to injury. Various cross-training methods have been used to reduce injury risk, restore or maintain fitness, and prevent detraining. The purpose of this study was to compare 4 weeks of EBIKE-only training to run-only training on maximal oxygen consumption, ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point, running economy, and 5,000 m time trial times. Twelve experienced runners (age, 22.33 ± 3.33 years; running experience, 9.25 ± 4.53 years) completed 4 weeks of randomly assigned EBIKE or run training. Physiological and performance testing procedures were repeated, and subjects then performed a second matched 4-week training period in a crossover design. Ventilatory threshold was significantly greater after EBIKE (p ≤ 0.05; 41.60 ± 6.15 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) and run training (p ≤ 0.05; 42.33 ± 6.96 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) compared with the initial time point (40.17 ± 6.47 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). There were no significant group differences (p > 0.05) for these variables at any time point. In conclusion, EBIKE-only training yielded similar physiological and performance maintenance or improvements compared with run-only training. These results suggest that EBIKE training can be an effective cross-training method to maintain and improve certain physiological and performance variables in experienced runners over a 4-week period.