Effectiveness of different training models for running performance in female youth triathletes

Study aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of polarized (Pol) and threshold (TR) training in youth triathletes (15–18 years).

Material and methods: Female youth triathlete subjects taking part in systematic training (n=42, n _(Pol) =21; n_(TR) =21; at the beginning age_(Pol) =14.63±1.25 years; age_(TR) =14.61± 0.89 years) were studied. In this 3-year-long research, anthropometric characteristics and performance were measured, using a spiroergometric, maximal exercise test. Run time spent on a treadmill and physiological data were analyzed.

Results: There were no significant differences in anthropometric variables during the study period, but a difference was observed between the two groups in heart rate at the third year. Relative oxygen uptake (rVO2), ventilation (VE) and performance (Time) increased significantly (p<0.05) in the Pol group, suggesting that this method can also be successful in youth training.

Conclusions: Our study results support other research findings demonstrating the effectiveness of polarized training. Further expansion of our sample is necessary to provide guidance for youth triathlon training.