Meta-Analysis of Running and Cycling Cross-Training Effects on VO2max and Performance

7 randomized controlled trials form the basis of this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing running-only and cycling-only training interventions. The dataset, published by T. Menges under a CC-BY-4.0 license, includes effect size estimates for changes in treadmill and cycle ergometer VO2max, as well as running performance in time trials. Results show no statistically significant differences between training modalities for any outcome, with effect estimates characterized by substantial uncertainty.

Use Cases

• Evaluating the efficacy of cross-training between running and cycling based on aggregated study outcomes.
• Assessing the transfer of VO2max adaptations between treadmill and cycle ergometer tests as described in the review.
• Analyzing the impact of training modality on running performance in time trials (1 mile, 3,000 m, 5,000 m).
• Conducting sensitivity analyses on meta-analytic results to evaluate robustness, as mentioned in the methods.

Strengths

• The analysis is based on 7 randomized controlled trials meeting specific inclusion criteria.
• Effect sizes are calculated using standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals.
• Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• The number of included studies is limited (n=7), and the review notes methodological heterogeneity and the use of relatively old training protocols.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

T. Menges via figshare

Collection Method

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-25 06:03:52; freshness should be verified.