An Evaluation Of Selected Endurance Training Approaches And Their Effects On Motor Fitness, Physiological Efficiency, And Haematological Profiles Among Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Background: Endurance training is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, particularly by improving motor fitness, physiological functions, and hematological parameters. However, limited research has compared the effects of various endurance training protocols within the same population under controlled conditions.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of Continuous Running, Alternate Pace Running, Fartlek Training, and Combined Training on selected motor fitness, physiological, and hematological variables among college-level male students.

Methods: Sixty male college students aged 18–25 years were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 15 each): Continuous Running (CRG), Alternate Pace Running (APR), Fartlek Training (FTG), and Combined Training (CTG). Each group underwent its respective training for 12 weeks, 5 days per week. Variables such as speed, muscular endurance (sit-ups), aerobic capacity (Cooper test), vital capacity, breath-holding time, pulse rate, hemoglobin level, and RBC count were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, followed by post hoc tests to determine intergroup differences.

Results: ANCOVA revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in all tested variables across groups, with the Combined Training group showing the largest gains in motor fitness and physiological and hematological outcomes. Post hoc comparisons confirmed the superiority of CTG over other training protocols.

Conclusion: All four endurance training protocols positively influenced performance and health-related variables, but Combined Training yielded the most comprehensive benefits. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple endurance modalities to maximize physiological and hematological adaptations....