Key result
Polarized training linked to ~20% higher rVO2 and greater running endurance versus threshold training.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of polarized and threshold training in youth triathletes aged 15-18 years.
Does polarized training improve running performance and physiological parameters compared to threshold training in female youth triathletes?
Cohort (n=42)
Does polarized training improve running performance and physiological parameters compared to threshold training in female youth triathletes?
Effect estimate: ES 0.95
Absolute Event Rate: 68.01% vs 56.53%
p-value: p=0.0094
Polarized training is more effective than threshold training for improving aerobic capacity and running performance in adolescent female triathletes.
Supports consideration of polarized training for aerobic gains in adolescent female triathletes; leaves open confirmation in randomized trials.
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.
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Pápai et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Youth triathletes (n=42). Polarized training vs. Threshold training (Zone 1 60%; Zone 2 30%; Zone 3 10%) was evaluated on Relative oxygen uptake (rVO2) at 3 years (ES 0.95, p=0.0094). Polarized training significantly improved relative oxygen uptake and running time to exhaustion compared to threshold training in female youth triathletes over a 3-year period.
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