COMBINING STRENGTH AND POWER TRAINING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF FINDINGS FROM COMPLEX TRAINING STUDIES

INTRODUCTION
It is well established that athletes should perform both, power and strength training to maximize sports performance (1). Most recently, the concept of complex training (CT) has received much attention as an effective strategy combining power and strength exercises in the same workout (2). However, it has not been established whether CT is superior to other training methods and there is a clear need for summarized evidence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINHAL and Scopus). Additionally, the methodological quality was assessed by the 11-item PEDro scale. The article selection process, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent investigators (BP, ÜF).
RESULTS
Of the original 8196 articles screened, 29 met the in- and exclusion criteria. Overall the quality of included trials was poor to fair. However, CT seems to be effective for improving jump, sprint and strength performance compared to no-training control groups. Surprisingly, our analysis indicates that CT and other training methods are equally effective in improving performance.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, CT is effective in improving sports performance but is not superior to other training methods. However, the organizational benefits of combining strength and power exercises in one training session could still remain, even without the presence of higher performance improvements. Future studies should confirm our findings using statistical techniques (i.e.: meta-analysis). Additionally, further CT studies with improved trial design and reporting are warranted.

References
1: Cormie P, et al. (2011). Sports Med, 41(2).
2: Lim J, et al. (2016). Strength Cond J, 38(6)

KEYWORDS: complex training, contrast training, combined training,