Abstract
Previous research has shown that kettlebell swings (KBS), utilizing the hip-hinge technique, exhibit similar lower-limb muscle activation patterns to sprint running. This study investigated whether the inclusion of KBS in the warm-up enhances sprint performance. Moderately trained males (n = 12) and females (n = 8) performed KBS and a control (CON) condition (passive rest) in random order before performing three 20-m sprint trials separated by 4 min. No condition (KBS versus CON) effects, time effects or condition by time interactions were found for sprint times at 5-m and 10-m. A significant time effect was found for sprint time at 20-m with faster sprint time at 12 min compared to 4 min (p = 0.022). No condition effect or condition by time interaction was found for sprint time at 20-m. Small to moderate correlations were found for change in sprint time (CON minus KBS) and KBS load at 4, 8, and 12 min. It appears the KBS is not effective for potentiating 20-m sprint performance; however, any potential benefit from the inclusion of KBS as a preconditioning exercise for sprinting may be influenced by individual strength capabilities with KBS.
Highlights
Preconditioning exercises, consisting of high resistance or ballistic activities, can be utilized by athletes in the minutes prior to power-based exercises in order to improve performance [1,2,3,4].Studies have shown acute improvements in countermovement vertical jump height [3,5,6] and 20-m sprint [7,8,9,10] following resistance exercises such as barbell squats and power cleans
An acute enhancement in exercise performance following a preconditioning exercise is attributed to the post-activation potentiation (PAP) phenomenon, in which muscular performance characteristics are acutely enhanced as a result of their contractile history [11]
A significant time effect was found for sprint time at 20-m (p = 0.042), with the post hoc analysis revealing a faster sprint time at 12 min compared to 4 min (p = 0.022)
Summary
Preconditioning exercises, consisting of high resistance or ballistic activities, can be utilized by athletes in the minutes prior to power-based exercises in order to improve performance [1,2,3,4].Studies have shown acute improvements in countermovement vertical jump height [3,5,6] and 20-m sprint [7,8,9,10] following resistance exercises such as barbell squats and power cleans. There have been two main theories proposed to explain an enhancement in athletic pursuits from PAP These include (1) increased stimulation of the central nervous system, after preconditioning exercise, prior to an explosive activity [11,12] and (2) increased phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chains within muscle fibres [12]. Both these theories explain an increase in contraction velocity of the potentiating muscle, leading to an increase in its power output during an explosive activity such as jumping, throwing, and sprinting
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