Strength training increases efficiency

Just a  quick post just pointing out an abstract that I have noticed over the weekend.   Top of the list is this one:   Heavy Strength Training improved efficiency in cyclists.

Cyclists Improve Pedalling Efficacy and Performance After Heavy Strength Training.

It was tested whether heavy strength training, including hip flexion exercise, would reduce the extent of the phase in the crank revolution where negative or retarding crank torque occurs. Negative torque normally occurs in the upstroke phase where the leg is lifted by flexing the hip. Eighteen well-trained cyclists either performed twelve weeks of heavy strength training in addition to their usual endurance training (E+S; n = 10) or merely continued their usual endurance training during the intervention period (E; n = 8). The strength training consisted of four lower body exercises [3×4-10 repetition maximum (RM)], which were performed twice a week. E+S enhanced cycling performance by 7%, which was more than in E (P = 0.02). Performance was determined as average power output in a 5-min all-out trial performed subsequent to 185 min of submaximal cycling. The performance enhancement, which has been reported previously, was here shown to be accompanied by improved pedalling efficacy during the all-out cycling. Thus, E+S shortened the phase where negative crank torque occurs by ~16° corresponding to ~14%, which was more than in E (P = 0.002). In conclusion, adding heavy strength training to usual endurance training in well-trained cyclists improves pedalling efficacy during 5-min all-out cycling performed following 185 min of cycling.

Nice to have a bit more ammunition in my battle to get every athlete strength training.