The effect of session order on the physiological, neuromuscular, and endocrine responses to maximal speed and weight training sessions over a 24-hour period

Abstract Objectives Athletes are often required to undertake multiple training sessions on the same day with these sessions needing to be sequenced correctly to allow the athlete to maximize the responses of each session. We examined the acute effect of strength and speed training sequence on neuromuscular, endocrine, and physiological responses over 24 hours. Design 15 academy rugby union players completed this randomized crossover study. Method Players performed a weight training session followed 2 hours later by a speed training session (WS) and on a separate day reversed the order (SW). Countermovement jumps (CMJ), perceived muscle soreness (MS), and blood samples were collected immediately prior, immediately post, and 24 hours post sessions one and two respectively. Jumps were analyzed for power, jump height, rate of force development, and velocity. Blood was analyzed for testosterone (T), cortisol (C), lactate and creatine kinase (CK). Results There were no differences between CMJ variables at any of the post training time points (p > 0.05). Likewise, CK, T, C, and MS were unaffected by session order (p > 0.05). However, 10 meter sprint time was significantly faster (Mean ± SD; SW 1.80s ± 0.11 vs. WS 1.76 ± 0.08s; p > 0.05) when speed was sequenced second. Lactate levels were significantly higher immediately post speed sessions versus weight training sessions at both time points (p < 0.05). Conclusions The sequencing of strength and speed training does not affect the neuromuscular, endocrine, and physiological recovery over 24 hours. However, speed may be enhanced when performed as the second session.