Effects of retrograde run training on long jump performances of student athletes: A randomized controlled study

Retrograde run training increases forward run speed and muscle power. However, the effect of retrograde run training on long jump performance is not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of retrograde run training on the long jump performance of physical education (PE) students compared to conventional training.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted including 120 PE students from Huzhou University Physical Education Faculty. The participants were randomly allocated into an experimental group or control group. Both groups received a conventional long jump training program, however the experimental group received additional retrograde run training (10 min 3 times per week for 12 weeks), while the control group received a similar level of forward run training. Changes in long jump and other performances were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the training program.

Over the 12-week intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in long jump, take off angle, take off accuracy, standing long jump, single leg stance, 30-m forward sprint and 40-m retrograde shuttle run compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Within-group analysis confirmed the experimental group improved significantly from baseline in all outcomes (p < 0.05). In contrast, the control group showed significant improvement only in long jump performance, take-off angle, and single leg stance.

The addition of retrograde run training to traditional long jump training significantly improved long jump performance in PE students and may be used as an alternative method to enhance long jump performance.