Improve Sprint Performance Research Articles

Pairwise Comparison of Heavy Dynamic Strength and Fast Dynamic Strength Interventions on Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pairwise comparison of heavy dynamic strength and fast dynamic strength interventions on sprint performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1675-1686, 2024-Previous studies have shown that both heavy dynamic strength (HDS) and fast dynamic strength (FDS) training can be used to improve sprint performance; however, a review and meta-analysis investigating pairwise studies that compare these two training interventions have not been performed. The aims of the study were to systematically review and analyze HDS and FDS training methodologies and evaluate their effect size difference, in pairwise comparison studies to determine and compare their effects on sprint performance. Databases were systematically searched using Boolean phrasing to identify eligible articles, and meta-analyses were performed on the extracted data. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, which resulted in data from 138 subjects across 24 separate sprint assessments. Overall, there was a small effect in favor of FDS (standardized mean difference = 0.27, 95% confidence intervals [-0.07; 0.60], 95% prediction intervals [-1.01; 1.55]), but this was deemed not significant because of the wide-ranging prediction intervals. There is no distinguishable difference between HDS and FDS training on sprint performance. The wide-ranging prediction intervals suggest the variability is too great to determine whether one training type is more effective than the other. Practitioners should consider the individual needs of their athletes when deciding which training type to use for long-term sprint development.

Apnea or normal breathing during repeated high-intensity swimming enhance sprint efficiency and which metabolic disorder?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of normal breath and apnea swimming on acid-base balance, physiological responses and performance during high-intensity interval training in swimming. Sixteen swimmers completed 6×50 m intervals of freestyle swimming with normal breath and apnea at maximum intensity, with 1 minute rest. Capillary blood gases (pH, PCO<inf>2</inf>, PO<inf>2</inf>, HCO<inf>3</inf>, Hct, Hb) were collected at four (4) measurement time points: 1) at rest once; 2) at rest just after the 3rd repetition; 3) at finish; and 4) at 10 min of recovery. Heart rate (HR) during swimming, lactate acid (La) concentration and swimming time (t<inf>50</inf>) were measured. Our study showed uncompensated metabolic acidosis due to increased lactic acidosis in both breathing conditions, more pronounced in apnea, and faster swimming times in apnea without different heart rate responses. Apnea during repetitive high intensity long distance interval 50 m freestyle swimming causes uncompensated metabolic acidosis but improves sprint performance.

Muscle morphological changes and enhanced sprint running performance: A 1-year observational study of well-trained sprinters.

Numerous cross-sectional studies have attempted to identify the muscle morphology required to achieve high sprint velocity. Our longitudinal study addressed an unanswered question of cross-sectional studies: whether hypertrophy of the individual trunk and thigh muscles induced by daily training (e.g., sprint, jump, and resistance training) is linked to an improvement in sprint performance within well-trained sprinters. Twenty-three collegiate male sprinters (100-m best time of 11.36±0.44s) completed their daily training for 1year without our intervention. Before and after the observation period, the sprint velocities at 0-100m, 0-10m, and 50-60m intervals were measured using timing gates. The volumes of 14 trunk and thigh muscles were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle volumes were normalized to the participants' body mass at each time point. Sprint velocities increased at the 0-100m (p<0.001), 0-10m (p=0.019), and 50-60m (p=0.018) intervals after the observation period. The relative volumes of the tensor fasciae latae, sartorius, biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris short head, semitendinosus, and iliacus were increased (all p<0.050). Among the hypertrophied muscles, only the change in the relative volume of the semitendinosus was positively correlated with the change in sprint velocity at the 50-60m interval (p=0.018 and ρ=0.591). These findings suggest that semitendinosus hypertrophy seems to be associated with sprint performance improvement within well-trained sprinters during the maximal velocity phase.

Injury prevention in professional soccer players: can re-warmup training be organized in the post-warmup and half-time during a soccer game in a short time?

Passive time, during the post-warmup and half-time, decreases athletes' performance and increases injury risk factors in the active phases of the soccer match. Objective. This narrative review aims to research and synthesize existing evidence to identify brief re-warmup strategies that may find applicability in the post-warmup and half-time of a soccer match. The analysis was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Due to the lack of evidence, no temporal time was established, preferring most up-to-date articles. The data were synthesized in relation to the objectives, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Our research yielded a total of 753 studies, 463 related to re-warmup, 136 articles on re-warmup in soccer, and 154 articles on re-warmup during half-time. Of these, 26 met the inclusion objectives and were included in this research. Our findings confirm that a re-warmup can mitigate the decremental effect of static rest on performance. From the studies considered, we have identified a work that emphasizes how a 1-minute warmup of high-intensity exercise at speed corresponding to 90% of VO<inf>2max</inf> can prevent decreases related to passive time, in sprint performance and muscle strength, as well as improve muscle temperature. These results could apply to both post-warmup and half-time scenarios of a soccer match. From this narrative review, it has been possible to highlight a one-minute high-intensity re-warmup that improved sprint performance, increased core temperature, and enhanced muscle activation, not leading to additional physiological or psychological fatigue.

Acute effects of caffeine supplementation on kinematics and kinetics of sprinting.

We investigated the acute effects of caffeine supplementation (6 mg･kg-1 ) on 60-m sprint performance and underlying components with a step-to-step ground reaction force measurement in 13 male sprinters. After the first round sprint as a control, caffeine supplementation-induced improvement in 60-m sprint times (7.811 s at the first versus 7.648 s at the second round, 2.05%) were greater compared with the placebo condition (7.769 s at the first versus 7.768 s at the second round, 0.02%). Using average values for every four steps, in the caffeine condition, higher running speed (all six step groups), higher step frequency (5th-16th and 21st-24th step groups), shorter support time (all the step groups except for 13th-16th step) and shorter braking time (9th-24th step groups) were found. Regarding ground reaction forces variables, greater braking mean force (13th-19th step group), propulsive mean force (1st-12th and 17th-20th step groups), and effective vertical mean force (9th-12th step group) were found in the caffeine condition. For the block clearance phase at the sprint start, push-off and reaction times did not change, while higher total anteroposterior mean force, average horizontal external power, and ratio of force were found in the caffeine condition. These results indicate that, compared with placebo, acute caffeine supplementation improved sprint performance regardless of sprint sections during the entire acceleration phase from the start through increases in step frequency with decreases in support time. Moreover, acute caffeine supplementation promoted increases in the propulsive mean force, resulting in the improvement of sprint performance.

Olympic Weightlifting Training for Sprint Performance in Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether Olympic weightlifting (OW) exercises would improve sprint performance when compared to a control intervention, (no training, standard sport-specific training, traditional resistance training, or plyometric training). Medline, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL, and Biological Science from inception to September 2022 was searched. Two authors independently selected the included studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. The primary meta-analysis combined the results of the sprint performance over the full length of each sprint test. The secondary meta-analyses combined the results of the sprint performance at 5, 10, and 20 m distance to capture information about the acceleration phase of the sprint tests. Eight studies with 206 athletes (female n=10, age range: 18.9-24.2 years) were identified. Sprint performance did not differ significantly comparing OW to the control intervention, nor at the full length (standardized mean difference=-0.07, 95% CI=-0.47 to 0.34, p=0.75, I2=46%) or during the acceleration phase (p≥0.26) of the sprint test. OW training does not improve sprint performance to a greater extent than comparator interventions.

Effects of vertical and horizontal strength exercises on sprint performance and sprint mechanical outputs in amateur soccer players

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined vertical and horizontal strength exercises on sprint mechanical parameters and sprint performance among amateur soccer players. Methods: The study followed a controlled experimental design. Twenty amateur soccer players were assigned to either an experimental group (EG, n = 11) or a control group (CG, n =9). In addition to the soccer training, the EG group conducted a sixweek training program involving combined horizontal and vertical strength exercises. Sprint performance and sprint mechanical parameters were computed using a field method based on velocity-time data pre- and post-intervention. The repeated measures ANOVA test was used for between-group comparisons. Results: The results suggest a significant (p &lt; 0.05) improvement in sprint performance at 0-10 meter distance (p = 0.02), 0-15 meter distance (p = 0.01), 0-20 meter distance (p = 0.03), and the maximal value for the ratio of force - RFmax (p = 0.03) in EG compared to CG. Conclusions: The horizontal and vertical strength exercises can improve sprinting performance at distances longer than 5 m but do not improve the most of examined mechanical sprinting parameters in amateur soccer players.

Enhancing Sprint Performance and Biomechanics in Semiprofessional Football Players Through Repeated-Sprint Training.

Repeated-sprint ability is a significant factor in football performance. Notably, hamstring injuries in football players often occur during sprinting activities and fatigue-inducing conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability variables and sprint kinematics. Fourteen semiprofessional men's soccer players performed 8weeks of RST, consisting of 1 to 2 sets of 5 to 8 × 30m repeated sprints separated by 20 to 30seconds of recovery. Sprint performance was computed from running speed data, and a high-frequency camera (240Hz) was used to study kinematic data. Paired samples t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were conducted for each performance and kinematic variable, respectively. After the RST period, moderate to large improvements were observed for 0 to 20m time, 0 to 30m time, and 20 to 30m time. All the repeated-sprint ability-related variables were significantly improved (P < .05). In addition, during fatigue conditions, a decrease in trunk flexion and kick-back mechanism and a reduced overstriding pattern was found after RST. The findings of this study suggest that incorporating RST may lead to improved sprint performance and promote a "safer" sprint pattern, particularly during periods of fatigue.

Differential Effects of Verbal Coaching Cues and Analogies on Sprint Performance in Youth Male Soccer Players Across Grass and Indoor Surfaces

There is a limited body of research concerning the impact of different attentional foci on the performance or retention of fundamental motor skills in young individuals. Additionally, the influence of verbal cues on sprint performance across various surfaces, such as grass and indoor basketball courts, remains understudied. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Internal Cues (IC), External Cues (EC), and analogies with a directional component (ADC) on sprint performance among youth soccer players on different surfaces (grass vs. indoor basketball court). Seventy participants, aged 12.3±0.5 years, with a maturity offset of -0.9±0.5 years, were recruited for this investigation. Multiple 20-meter sprint tests were conducted on both grass and indoor basketball courts using different coaching cues: a control/neutral cue, an internal cue, an external cue, and analogies (away and toward). The analyses did not reveal significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between cue types for both sprinting on grass and indoor surfaces. However, in post-hoc analyses for indoor sprints, significant distinctions were noted between ECs and ICs, favoring ECs (p &lt; 0.01), as well as between "away" ADC and IC, favoring the "away" ADC (p &lt; 0.01). Similar significant differences were observed for grass sprints, with ECs and "away" ADCs showing superiority over ICs (p &lt; 0.01). In conclusion, the study did not find evidence supporting specific instructional types' positive impact on youth's sprint performance on both grass and indoor surfaces. Notwithstanding, ECs and ADCs seemed to be more effective coaching strategies for improving sprinting performance in youth soccer players. Additionally, motivating young soccer players to give their maximum effort seemed to be a beneficial cueing method for enhancing sprint ability on different surfaces.

Anthropometric and mechanical factors determining sprint in young soccer players: a brief report.

Sprint performance is a critical factor in soccer. While previous studies have extensively explored the biomechanical, physiological, and metabolic determinants of sprinting, the impact of anthropometric variables in team sports contexts, especially soccer, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the influence of anthropometric and mechanical variables on sprint performance in young soccer players. Fifty-eight young soccer players were evaluated in anthropometry and a 30-meter (m) sprint using radar technology. Split times in 5, 15, and 30 m were determined, in addition to the assessment of the force-velocity profile proposed by Morin and Samozino. Results: Key anthropometric variables associated with improved sprint performance included lower-limb muscle mass at distances 5 and 15 m (R 2 = 0.08 and R 2 = 0.09, respectively, both with small effects). Additionally, body composition, particularly a lower % body fat, was crucial across all sprint distances (ES: large). Among the mechanical variables, max power (R 2 = 0.997, ES: large) and maximum velocity (R 2 = 0.553, ES: large) are the mechanical variables that were most strongly associated with sprint performance over distances greater than 30 m. Soccer coaches, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists working with young athletes can apply the findings of this study to their training programming.

The potential impact of advanced footwear technology on the recent evolution of elite sprint performances.

Elite track and field sprint performances have reached a point of stability as we near the limits of human physiology, and further significant improvements may require technological intervention. Following the widely reported performance benefits of new advanced footwear technology (AFT) in road-running events, similar innovations have since been applied to sprint spikes in hope of providing similar performance enhancing benefits. However, it is not yet clear based on current evidence whether there have been subsequent improvements in sprint performance. Therefore, the aims of this study were to establish if there have been recent year-to-year improvements in the times of the annual top 100 and top 20 athletes in the men's and women's sprint events, and to establish if there is an association between the extensive use of AFT and potential recent improvements in sprint performances. For the years 2016-19 and 2021-2022, the season best performances of the top 100 athletes in each sprint event were extracted from the World Athletics Top lists. Independent t-tests with Holm corrections were performed using the season's best performance of the top 100 and top 20 athletes in each year to identify significant differences between years for each sprint discipline. Following the classification of shoes worn by the top 20 athletes in each event during their annual best race (AFT or non-AFT), separate linear mixed-model regressions were performed to determine the influence of AFT on performance times. For the top 100 and top 20 athletes, there were no significant differences year-to-year in any sprint event prior to the release of AFT (2016-2019). There were significant differences between AFT years (2021 or 2022) and pre-AFT years (2016-2019) in eight out of 10 events. These differences ranged from a 0.40% improvement (men's 100 m) to a 1.52% improvement (women's 400 m hurdles). In the second analysis, multiple linear mixed model regressions revealed that the use of AFT was associated with improved performance in six out of ten events, including the men's and women's 100 m, women's 200 m, men's 110 m hurdles, women's 100 m hurdles and women's 400 m hurdles (estimate range: -0.037 - 0.521, p = <0.001 - 0.021). Across both analyses, improvements were more pronounced in women's sprint events than men's sprint events. Following a period of stability, there were significant improvements in most sprint events which may be partly explained by advances in footwear technology. These improvements appear to be mediated by event, sex and potentially level of athlete.

Does Resisted Sprint Training Improve the Sprint Performance of Field-Based Invasion Team Sport Players? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Developing the sprint performance of field-based invasion team sport (FITS) players is considered an essential training goal for FITS coaching practitioners, and thus numerous training methods are employed to elicit improvements. Although interest in resisted sprint training (RST) has grown considerably in recent times, there remains a lack of clarity around its utility in FITS, particularly regarding the use and effectiveness of heavier RST loads. The aims of this review were to (1) compare RST to unresisted sprinting, (2) examine if RST can improve sprint performance and (3) investigate if external load and the method of load prescription influence the impact of RST in FITS players. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy included terms for RST, RST modalities and FITS, and was applied to PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and OpenGrey databases. Methodological quality and risk of bias associated with each study were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PEDro) and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool respectively. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria for this review and were included in the final analysis. The primary between-group analysis revealed no differences between RST and unresisted sprinting for developing the early acceleration, late acceleration and maximum velocity sprint phases. Secondly, a within-group analysis found significant improvements for resisted sprint training in the early acceleration (standardised mean difference [SMD] - 0.80) and late acceleration (SMD - 0.28) sprint phases, with no change detected for the maximum velocity phase. Finally, significant moderate improvements were found for light (SMD - 0.69) and very heavy (SMD - 1.01) loads during early acceleration. Resisted sprint training achieved similar improvements in sprint performance to those found for unresisted sprinting during the acceleration and maximum velocity sprint phases. Within-group findings show RST is an effective method for improving early acceleration and late acceleration performance of FITS players. Finally, a subgroup analysis supports the use of light and very heavy loads for increasing early acceleration performance, while also highlighting greater benefits associated with using the percentage velocity decrement loading method. Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/thms7/ .

The Effect of Training Stride Length and Stride Frequency on Increasing Sprint Speed

In running events, especially sprints, there have been many good forms of training in improving sprint performance, such as downhill sprint training, towing, elastic assists, and orders. This training is used to improve stride length and stride frequency quality. Although in this study we tried to see with one among these training that contributes the most to improving running speed. The research method is an experiment using a design in the form of a pretest - posttest group design. The research subjects involved as many as 60 students of the physical education, health and recreation study program STKIP Pasundan, divided into two groups (A &amp; B), group A was given stride frequency exercises, group B was given stride length exercises. From the results of data calculations in reality there is a significant influence from stride frequency training and also from stride length training to sprint running performance. But because stride length training has a greater positive impact on sprinting compared to stride frequency training, we as researchers recommend sprint trainers so that the exercise provides a greater proportion of the amount for stride length training.

Effects of Combined Uphill-Downhill Sprinting Versus Resisted Sprinting Methods on Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Two specific sprint training methods that are present to varying degrees in research and practice are combined uphill-downhill sprinting (UDS) and resisted sprint training methods (RS). Both methods seem to improve sprint performance, but to the author's knowledge a comparison does not exist investigating the differences between the two training protocols and traditional sprinting. The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated sprint performance changes between combined uphill-downhill sprinting and resisted sprinting methods (sleds, cables/bands, vests, uphill) and how these compared with traditional sprinting. A literature search was performed on 19 December 2022, in the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and SCOPUS, which from 22 studies yielded a total of 24 eligible groups (UDS, n = 6; RS, n = 18). Studies that measured sprint performance, had a traditional sprinting control, and used either training intervention in healthy individuals of any age for ≥ 4weeks were eligible for the meta-analysis. The change in sprint performance from baseline to post intervention was compared between the interventions and their traditional sprinting control group. Outcomes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD). The standardized changes in sprint performance between intervention groups and traditional-sprinting controls (negative in favour of intervention, positive in favour of traditional sprint) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were as follows: small for UDS (SMD - 0.41 [- 0.79, - 0.03]; p = 0.03), trivial for RS (SMD - 0.14 [- 0.36, 0.07]; p = 0.19). Combined uphill-downhill sprinting was more effective than traditional sprinting, while resisted sprinting was not. It appears that resisted sprint interventions do not increase sprint performance any more than traditional sprinting. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression appear to show differences between sled loads and possible differences across distances tested. The results of this review and meta-analysis seem to warrant further investigations into the possibility that UDS may be a superior sprint training method to resisted and traditional sprinting.

EFFECT OF ISOMETRIC SQUAT EXERCISE ON SPRINT PERFORMANCE OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS

A soccer match makes heavy demands on both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Elite players run 8–12 km during a game. Nevertheless, anaerobic metabolism is also crucial in sprints, jumps, and tackles. Many studies have stated that aerobic and anaerobic strength are significant features in soccer games. During a soccer match, soccer team members performed 60 to 70 runs from 12 to 15 m. Sprint running success, with or without the ball, is therefore a significant factor that can explain a winning team's supremacy. In essential ball duals, sprint could be key. In certain cases, the player should be quicker and more effective than the opponent to score goals or to avoid goals being scored. In addition, acceleration and speed can enhance skills vital to soccer, such as turning, sprinting, and changing tempo, by improving strength in appropriate muscles or muscle groups. The study was to evaluate the effect of isometric squat exercise on sprint performance of football players. The sample of 60 student were selected from the population of University of Lahore football team. Within 3 to 5 days after base training pre-test will be conducted in the morning by using 40-yard dash test. Post-test will be conducted after completion of Isometric Squat exercise training sessions. The results show that, differences between the two test 40 Yard Dash Test Post-Test of Experimental Group and 40 Yard Dash Test Post-Test of Control Group. This research study discovered that there was a statistically significant improvement in sprint performance by using Isometric Squat exercise Program.

Longitudinal Development of Sprint Performance and Force-Velocity-Power Characteristics: Influence of Biological Maturation.

Edwards, T, Weakley, J, Banyard, HG, Cripps, A, Piggott, B, Haff, GG, and Joyce, C. Longitudinal development of sprint performance and force-velocity-power characteristics: influence of biological maturation. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2178-2184, 2023-This study was designed to investigate the influence of biological maturation on the longitudinal development of sprint performance. Thirty-two subjects performed 2 assessments of maximal sprint performance that were separated by 18 months. Each sprint assessment was measured through a radar gun that collected instantaneous velocity with the velocity-time data used to derive sprint times and force-velocity-power characteristics. The biological maturity of each subject was assessed using a predictive equation, and subjects were grouped according to predicted years from peak height velocity (circa-PHV: -1.0 to 1.0; post-PHV: >1.0). A 2 × 2 mixed model analysis of variance was used to assess group × time interactions, and paired t -tests were used to assess the longitudinal changes for each maturity group. No significant group × time interactions were observed for any sprint time or force-velocity-power characteristic. The circa-PHV group experienced significant within-group changes in maximal theoretical velocity (6.35 vs. 5.47%; effect size [ES] = 1.26 vs. 0.52) and 5-m sprint time (-3.63% vs. -2.94%; ES = -0.64 vs. -0.52) compared with the post-PHV group. There was no significant change in the magnitude of relative theoretical maximum force in either group; however, both the circa-PHV and post-PHV groups significantly improved the orientation of force production at the start of the sprint (RFmax [4.91 vs. 4.46%; ES = 0.79 vs. 0.74, respectively]). Considering these findings, it is recommended that practitioners adopt training methods aimed to improve relative lower-limb force production, such as traditional strength training and sled pulling and pushing, to improve sprint performance and relative theoretical maximum force.

Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve V̇O2max more than supramaximal sprint intervals in females, similar to males.

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max ) is a pivotal factor for aerobic endurance performance. Recently, aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was documented to be superior to sprint interval training (SIT) in improving V̇O2max in well-trained males. However, as mounting evidence suggests that physiological responses to training are sex-dependent, examining the effects of HIIT versus SIT on V̇O2max , anaerobic capacity, and endurance performance in females is warranted. We randomized 81 aerobically well-trained females (22 ± 2 years, 51.8 ± 3.6 mL∙kg-1 ∙min-1 V̇O2max ), training three times weekly for 8 weeks, to well-established protocols: (1) HIIT 4 × 4 min at ~95% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), with 3 min active recovery (2) SIT 8 × 20 s at ~150% of MAS, with 10 s passive recovery (3) SIT 10 × 30 s at ~175% of MAS, with 3.5 min active recovery. Only HIIT 4 × 4 min increased V̇O2max (7.3 ± 3.1%), different from both SIT groups (all p < 0.001). Anaerobic capacity (maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) increased following SIT 8 × 20 s (6.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.05), SIT 10 × 30 s (14.4 ± 13.7%, p < 0.05; different from HIIT 4 × 4 min, p < 0.05). SIT 10 × 30 s resulted in eight training-induced injuries, different from no injuries following HIIT 4 × 4 min and SIT 8 × 20 s (p < 0.001). All groups improved long-distance (3000-meter) and sprint (300-meter) running performance (all p < 0.001). SIT protocols improved sprint performance more than HIIT 4 × 4 min (p < 0.05). Compared to previous male results, no increase in V̇O2max following SIT 8 × 20 s (p < 0.01), and a higher injury rate for SIT 10 × 30 s (p < 0.001), were evident. In aerobically well-trained women, HIIT is superior to SIT in increasing V̇O2max while all-out treadmill running SIT is potentially more harmful.

The Effects of Strength and Conditioning Interventions on Sprinting Performance in Team Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Murphy, A, Burgess, K, Hall, AJ, Aspe, RR, and Swinton, PA. The effects of strength and conditioning interventions on sprinting performance in team sport athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1692–1702, 2023—Linear sprinting is a key determinant of athletic performance within team sports. The aims of the review were to quantify and compare the effectiveness of popular strength and conditioning (S&amp;C) training modes to improve sprint performance in team sport athletes, with additional focus on potential moderators and the relationships between improvements in physical factors (e.g., strength, power, and jump performance) and improvements in sprint performance. Inclusion was restricted to resistance, plyometric, sprint, and combined training interventions comprising team sport athletes. Multilevel, Bayesian’s meta-analysis and meta-regression models conducted with standardized mean difference effect sizes were used to investigate training modes and potential moderators. Weighted regression models conducted on shrunken estimates from initial Bayesian’s meta-analyses were used to quantify relationships between improvements in physical factors and sprint performance. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Similar improvements in sprint performance were obtained across training modes, with some evidence of the largest effects with resistance training ( = 0.55 [95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.36–0.78; very low certainty]). A strong moderating effect of training intensity was identified across all training modes with evidence of greater improvements in sprint performance with high-intensity training ( = 0.17 [95% CrI: 0.01–0.33; very low certainty]). Strong positive relationships were identified between improvements in all physical factors and sprint performance ( = 0.56 [95% CrI: 0.36–0.77; low certainty], = 0.80 [95% CrI: 0.50–1.0; low certainty], = 0.78 [95% CrI: 0.57–0.97; low certainty]). The findings indicate that focus on developing speed in team sport athletes should be placed on S&amp;C training with high intensities, including the use of resisted sprint training.

The effect of a combined sprint training intervention on sprint force-velocity characteristics in junior Australian football players.

Sprint performance in junior Australian football (AF) players has been shown to be a differentiating quality in ability level therefore developing sprint characteristics via sprint-specific training methods is an important aspect of their physical development. Assisted sprint training is one training method used to enhance sprint performance yet limited information exists on its effect on sprint force-velocity characteristics. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the influence of a combined sprint training intervention using assisted and maximal sprint training methods on mechanical characteristics and sprint performance in junior Australian football players. Upon completing familiarization and pre-testing, twenty-two male junior Australian football (AF) players (age 14.4±0.3 years, body mass 58.5 ±10.0 kg, and height 1.74 ±0.08 m) were divided into a combined sprint training (CST) group (n = 14), and a maximal sprint training (MST) group (n = 8) based on initial sprint performance over 20-meters. Sprint performance was assessed during maximal 20-meter sprint efforts via a radar gun (36 Hz), with velocity-time data used to derive force-velocity characteristics and split times. All subjects then completed a 7-week in-season training intervention consisting of maximal sprinting (MST & CST groups) and assisted sprinting (CST only), along with their usual football specific exercises. Moderate to large pre-post within group effects (-0.65 ≤ ES ≥ 0.82. p≤0.01) in the CST group for relative theoretical maximal force (F0) and power (Pmax) were reflected in improved sprint performance from 0-20 m, thereby creating a more force-oriented F-v profile. The MST group displayed statistically significant pre-post differences in sprint performance between 10-20 m only (ES = 0.18, p=0.04). Moderate to high relative reliability was achieved across all sprint variables (ICC = 0.65-0.91), except for the force-velocity slope (SFV) and decrement in ratio of forces (DRF) which reported poor reliability (ICC = 0.41-0.44), while the CST group exceeded the pre-post minimal detectable change (MDC) in most sprint variables suggesting a 'true change' in performance across the intervention. It is concluded that implementing a short-term, combined sprint training intervention consisting of assisted and maximal sprint training methods may enhance sprint mechanical characteristics and sprint performance to 20-meters in junior AF players.

The Effect of Different Strength Training Modalities on Sprint Performance in Female Team-Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There has been a rise in the participation, professionalism, and profile of female sports in recent years. Sprinting ability is an important quality for successful athletic performance in many female team sports. However, much of the research to date on improving sprint performance in team sports is derived from studies with male participants. Given the biological differences between the sexes, this may be problematic for practitioners when programming to enhance sprint performance in female team-sport athletes. Therefore, the aims of this systematic review were to investigate (1) the overall effect of lower body strength training on sprint performance, and (2) the effect of specific strength training modalities (i.e., reactive-; maximal-; combined-; special-strength) on sprint performance in female team-sport athletes. An electronic database search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS to identify relevant articles. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to establish standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals and the magnitude and direction of the effect. Fifteen studies were included in the final analysis. The 15 studies represent a total sample size of 362 participants (intervention n = 190; control n = 172) comprising 17 intervention groups and 15 control groups. The overall effects revealed small improvements in sprint performance in favour of the experimental group over 0-10m and moderate improvements over sprint distances of 0-20m and 0-40m. The magnitude of improvement in sprint performance was influenced by the strength modality (i.e., reactive-, maximal-, combined-, and special-strength) utilised in the intervention. Reactive- and combined-strength training methods had a greater effect than maximal- or special-strength modalities on sprint performance. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that, when compared with a control group (i.e., technical and tactical training), the different strength training modalities exhibited small to moderate improvements in sprint performance in female team-sport athletes. The results of a moderator analysis demonstrated that youth athletes (< 18years) yielded a greater improvement in sprint performance compared with adults (≥ 18years). This analysis also supports the use of a longer programme duration (> 8weeks) with a higher total number of training sessions (> 12sessions) to improve overall sprint performance. These results will serve to guide practitioners when programming to enhance sprint performance in female team-sport athletes.