Can plyometric training change the pacing behavior during 10-km running?

ABSTRACTThe effects of plyometric training on middle- and long-distance running performances are well established. However, its influence on pacing behavior is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training on pacing behavior. Also, verify whether the adaptations induced by plyometric training would change ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and/or affective feelings during the race. Twenty-eight male runners were assigned to two groups: control (C) and plyometric training (PT). PT held two weekly plyometric training sessions for eight weeks. Drop jump (DJ) performance, 10-km running performance, pacing behavior, RPE and affective feelings, VO2peak, ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), peak treadmill speed (PTS), and RE were measured. For group comparisons, a mixed model analysis for repeated measures, effect size (ES) and 90% confidence interval (CI90%) were calculated for all dependent variables. Significant differences pre to post was observed for PT group in DP (7.2%; p ≤ 0.01; ES = 0.56 (0.28 to 0.85)) and RE (4.5%; p ≤ 0.05; ES = -0.52 ((-0.73 to -0.31)) without changes in pacing behavior. While PT was effective for improving DJ and RE, there is no evidence that pacing behavior, RPE or affective feelings are directly affected by these adaptations during a 10-km time-trial run.