Strength Training vs. Aerobic Interval Training: Effects on Anaerobic Capacity, Aerobic Power and Second Ventilatory Threshold in Men

The purpose of this non-randomized study was to determine the effect of strength training and aerobic interval training on the anaerobic and aerobic power and endurance of young men (assessed by determination of the second ventilatory threshold (VT2)) in non-trained men. Participants (n = 45) were recruited into three groups of 15 each. The first group performed strength training (ST), the second performed aerobic interval training (AIT), and the third group was the control group (CON). In each group, somatic measurements and tests of aerobic (graded test with VT2 determination) and anaerobic capacity (Wingate test) were performed twice (before and after the exercise intervention in the training groups). In the graded test, the level of maximal load (Pmax), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and intensity and oxygen uptake at VT2 were determined. In the Wingate test, peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were determined. The exercise intervention in the ST and AIT groups lasted 6 weeks, with three workouts per week. Training in the ST and AIT groups resulted in significant increase in absolute Pmax (p < 0.001, ES = 0.52 and p < 0.05, ES = 0.36), VO2max (p < 0.001, ES = 0.50 and p = 0.02, ES = 0.55) in the participants. Only AIT was significantly effective in improving oxygen uptake at VT2 (p < 0.04, ES = 0.64), and ST in improving PP. Strength training can be an effective training method in training aerobic and anaerobic capacity (significantly increases Pmax, VO2max, and PP), while it does not significantly affect work intensity at VT2. Our results suggest that, particularly in anaerobic–aerobic sports, strength training may be a training method that can simultaneously improve both anaerobic power and maximal oxygen uptake. It can also complement endurance training.