The Role of Intra-Session Exercise Sequence in the Interference Effect: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials
PubMed 28917030 · doi:10.1007/s40279-017-0784-1
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies was conducted to determine whether intra-session exercise sequence modifies strength, hypertrophy, aerobic capacity, and body composition outcomes in healthy adults undertaking concurrent training programs lasting 5 weeks or longer. The analyzed outcomes included lower-body dynamic and static strength, lower-body muscle hypertrophy, maximal aerobic capacity, and body fat percentage.
What was found
Performing resistance exercise before endurance exercise produced significantly greater improvements in lower-body dynamic strength compared to the alternate sequence (weighted mean difference = 6.91% change; 95% CI, 1.96 to 11.87; p = 0.006). Sequence order showed no significant effect on lower-body muscle hypertrophy (weighted mean difference = 1.15% change; 95% CI, -1.56 to 3.87; p = 0.40), lower-body static strength (weighted mean difference = -0.04% change; 95% CI, -3.19 to 3.11; p = 0.98), maximal aerobic capacity (p > 0.05), or body fat percentage (p > 0.05).
Why it matters
This review clarifies that when resistance and aerobic training are performed in the same session, prioritizing resistance exercise first preserves lower-body dynamic strength gains without impairing aerobic or body composition adaptations.
Limits
The total number of participants across the 10 included studies was not reported in the abstract. Findings are limited to healthy adults, evaluate only lower-body adaptations for strength and hypertrophy, and do not provide details on upper-body outcomes, specific exercise modalities, or training intensities.
Cited by
- supports For maximizing strength and performance, performing cardiovascular exercise after resistance training rather than before is more effective, whereas the order matters less for hypertrophy.