The addition of plyometric training 1-3 times per week to endurance training can have a beneficial effect on running economy and subsequent performance in long distance runners. The purpose of this review was to investigate the changes in running economy (RE) elicited in long distance runners when plyometric training (PT) is undertaken in conjunction with endurance training. The review also aimed to determine the suitability of PT within a long-distance runners overall training program and practical implementation recommendations. A total of 10 research papers were identified in this review from the following electronic databases; SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and EBSCOhost (MEDLINE) from inception to March 2018. Keywords and phrases included in the search criteria included `running economy`, `distance running`, `runners`, `long distance`, `endurance`, `plyometrics`, and `explosive training`. The use of PT in conjunction with endurance training was seen to improve RE and performance outcomes in recreational, moderately trained and highly trained long-distance runners with no recent history of participation in a structured PT program. Changes in RE are thought to be due to neuromuscular adaptations including increased muscle-tendon stiffness and increases in muscle power. Whilst the optimal training recommendations for the addition of PT to endurance training are yet to be determined, evidence suggests that 1-3 sessions per week comprising 1-6 PT exercises for a minimum of 6 weeks is desirable. PT training programs should begin with less complex exercises (double and single leg continuous vertical jumping) before progressing to exercises of higher complexity (alternate leg horizontal bounding, double and single leg continuous horizontal jumping over hurdles) and apply principles of progressive overload to reduce potential risk of injury and maximise training adaptations.
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