Background
Concurrent training has gained popularity as a health-promoting activity. The focus of this study was to investigate the feasibility of tyre-pulling as a strength and endurance training exercise.
Methods
Thirty-four volunteered participants accepted to comply with an 8-week training program, and were by drawing lots divided into three groups: long-distance training, high-intensity interval training and control groups. The long-distance group exercised 60 min at 75–85% of HRmax three times a week. The high-intensity interval group also exercised three times a week with 10 intervals of 20 s and a rest of 10 s in an all-out intensity. The control group continued their ordinary activities. A test battery, measuring arm and leg strength, core strength, and endurance, were taken at the beginning and after 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and spirometry test were performed likewise.
Results
The high-intensity group had increased maximal oxygen uptake by 2.6 (2.2) mL kg−1 min−1. The number of repetitions in arm strength increased with 4.2 (3.5), for leg strength, the increase was 7.9 (9.2) repetitions. Leg strength increased in the long-distance group with 13.6 (14.7) repetitions and core strength increased with 30.3 (34.0), p ≤ 0.05. No significant changes were observed in the control group.
Conclusions
Tyre-pulling is feasible for training endurance and strength at both low and high intensities.