Polarized vs. Threshold Training Intensity Distribution on Endurance Sport Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Rosenblat MA, Perrotta AS, Vicenzino B

Journal of strength and conditioning research · December 1, 2019

The objective of this review was to systematically search the literature to identify and analyze data from randomized controlled trials that compare the effects of a polarized training model (POL) vs. a threshold training model (THR) on measurements of sport performance in endurance athletes. Four studies met the inclusion criteria for the qualitative analysis, and 3 for the meta-analysis. There was sufficient data to conduct a meta-analysis on time-trial performance. The pooled results demonstrate a moderate effect (ES = -0.66; 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.15) favoring the POL group over the THR group. These results suggest that POL may lead to a greater improvement in endurance sport performance than THR.

PMID: 29863593 · DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002618