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The effects of resisted sled-pulling sprint training on acceleration and maximum speed performance
A Zafeiridis1, P Saraslanidis, V Manou
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Sports Performance and Coaching Laboratory, Aristotelio University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|October 19, 2005
Summary
Resisted sprint training enhances acceleration, while un-resisted sprint training boosts maximum speed in athletes. Specific training approaches are needed for different phases of sprinting.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Sprint performance is crucial in many sports.
- Optimizing both acceleration and maximum speed is a key training goal.
- Different training modalities may target distinct phases of the sprint.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of resisted sprint training (RS) and un-resisted sprint training (US) on acceleration and maximum speed.
- To investigate changes in running velocity, stride length, and stride frequency.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two male students underwent 8 weeks of either RS (5 kg sled pulling) or US sprint training.
- Training involved 3 weekly sessions of maximal runs (4x20m, 4x50m).
- Performance was assessed via 50m runs, with velocity, stride length, and frequency measured before and after training.
Main Results:
- Resisted sprint training significantly improved early acceleration velocity (0-20m) and stride rate.
- Un-resisted sprint training enhanced maximum speed velocity (20-50m) and stride length.
- Resisted sprint training did not improve maximum speed, while un-resisted training did not improve acceleration.
Conclusions:
- Sprint training with resisted loads (5kg sled) effectively improves acceleration in non-elite athletes.
- Un-resisted sprint training is more beneficial for enhancing maximum speed.
- Targeted training strategies are necessary to optimize different components of sprint performance.
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