Sprint Performance Research Articles

Effects of resisted sprint training with ball on speed and agility performance in U-19 elite soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects on speed and agility of including ball driving during resisted sprint training in relation to regular soccer training. Thirty male soccer players (age: 18.10 ± 0.66 years; height: 179 ± 0.06 cm; body mass: 76.22 ± 4.76 kg; systematic practice: 8.6 ± 1.73 years) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 12). The research was conducted during a training camp. The intervention period lasted 6 weeks and during that period all players performed their usual soccer training. However, the EG performed two weekly sessions of a supplementary training of resisted sprints with a ball. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 5-m (p = 0.005) and 10-m (p = 0.016) sprint performance; and New multi-change of direction agility test (NMAT; p = 0.002), Illinois (IAT; p = 0.002), T-test (p = 0.003), Arrowhead COD (Arrowhead-R, p = < 0.001; Arrowhead-L, p = < 0.001) test and Zigzag agility test (Zigzag-B; p = 0.006) from pretest to posttest in EG. However, the CG didn't show any significant improvements. Between-groups analysis revealed differences in favor of the EG in Zigzag-B, IAT, Arrowhead-R, Arrowhead-L and NMAT. This study's results support the efficacy of a short-term training program that includes resisted sprints exercises to improve the performance of soccer players.

Oral Lactate Supplementation Does Not Affect Repeated Sprint Performance In Well Trained Cyclists

Oral Lactate Supplementation Does Not Affect Repeated Sprint Performance In Well Trained Cyclists

The Effects Of Singlet Oxygen Energy On Repeated Sprint Performance In Basketball Players

The Effects Of Singlet Oxygen Energy On Repeated Sprint Performance In Basketball Players

Examining The Relationship Between Controlled Targeted Assessments And Flying 30-meter Sprint Performances

Examining The Relationship Between Controlled Targeted Assessments And Flying 30-meter Sprint Performances

Training With Full Body Compression Garments Does Not Improve 40-meter Sprint Performance In Healthy Men

Training With Full Body Compression Garments Does Not Improve 40-meter Sprint Performance In Healthy Men

Analysis of Running Techniques and Physical Factors on the Sprinter Ability of Grade V Elementary School

This study investigates the relationship between running techniques, physical factors, and the sprinting abilities of fifth-grade elementary school students. Through direct observation and measurement of students’ running techniques, as well as assessments of their physical attributes such as speed, leg muscle strength, and flexibility. This research aims to identify key factors that contribute to sprinting performance. Statistical analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between proper running techniques characterized by a forward-leaning posture, synchronized arm-leg movements, and correct foot landing and enhanced sprinting ability. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the importance of physical factors, with findings showing that students possessing greater leg muscle strength and flexibility exhibit superior sprinting capabilities. The correlation analysis underscores the strong influence of both running techniques and physical attributes on sprinting performance, indicating that improvements in these areas can lead to enhanced athletic outcomes. These findings have practical implications for the development of targeted training programs in elementary schools, emphasizing the enhancement of running techniques and physical conditioning. By focusing on structured training that incorporates muscle strengthening, flexibility improvement, and technique refinement, educators can help students maximize their athletic potential and encourage lifelong healthy habits. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing sprinting abilities and offers a foundation for optimizing physical education practices for young athletes.

The Effect of Water Sports on the Performance of Adolescent Boys

In our education system sports has given the importance at school and college levels. Even though enriching athletic performance is a real problem in our country. Many rural students are up to the mark and willing for hardworking but due to lack of facilities they are lagging behind. Consequently, the participation of students in track and field athletics in Indian schools is also amazingly very less. They prefer major games because maximum incentives and importance are given by the sports world. Out media highlights mostly the sports starts of cricket, football, hockey, badminton, tennis, etc. but rarely gives importance to track and field athletes. Presently the status of 100 meters sprint event especially for boys have enriched as a competitive sports. The excitement and thrill provided by this particular event has won the heart of common man. After the pretest, with 100 meters sprint, the experimental group underwent a training programme of aqua exercises and control group did not participate in any training programme but they were following their daily routine in the school. The training program has been conducted three days in a week alternatively, for total period of 12 weeks. The training schedule prepared by the investigator was applied to the experimental group. The mid test of both the groups administered after every two weeks. A total five mid tests were administered and post test was administered after 12 week training program. The 100 meter sprint performance was considered as the main dependent variable as selected in this study and the training intervention (i. e. aqua exercises) was considered as independent variable. And finally it help to conclude that through the aqua exercise training program module there was gradual and useful improvement in performance ability of 100 meter sprint of school going boys.

Agreement and Sensitivity of the Acceleration–Velocity Profile Derived via Local Positioning System

Sprint performance is commonly assessed via discrete sprint tests and analyzed through kinematic estimates modeled using a mono-exponential equation, including estimated maximal sprinting speed (MSS), relative acceleration (TAU), maximum acceleration (MAC), and relative propulsive maximal power (PMAX). The acceleration–velocity profile (AVP) provides a simple summary of short sprint performance using two parameters: MSS and MAC, which are useful for simplifying descriptions of sprint performance, comparison between athletes and groups of athletes, and estimating changes in performance over time or due to training intervention. However, discrete testing poses logistical challenges and defines an athlete’s AVP exclusively from the performance achieved in an isolated testing environment. Recently, an in situ AVP (velocity–acceleration method) was proposed to estimate kinematic parameters from velocity and acceleration data obtained via global or local positioning systems (GPS/LPS) over multiple training sessions, plausibly improving the time efficiency of sprint monitoring and increasing the sample size that defines the athlete’s AVP. However, the validity and sensitivity of estimates derived from the velocity–acceleration method in relation to changes in criterion scores remain elusive. To assess the concurrent validity and sensitivity of kinematic measures from the velocity–acceleration method, 31 elite youth basketball athletes (23 males and 8 females) completed two maximal effort 30 m sprint trials. Performance was simultaneously measured by a laser gun and an LPS (Kinexon), with kinematic parameters estimated using the time–velocity and velocity–acceleration methods. Agreement (%Bias) between laser gun and LPS-derived estimates was within the practically significant magnitude (±5%), while confidence intervals for the percentage mean absolute difference (%MAD) overlapped practical significance for TAU, MAC, and PMAX using the velocity–acceleration method. Only the MSS parameter showed a sensitivity (%MDC95) within practical significance (&lt;5%), with all other parameters showing unsatisfactory sensitivity (&gt;10%) for both the time–velocity and velocity–acceleration methods. Thus, sports practitioners may be confident in the concurrent validity and sensitivity of MSS estimates derived in situ using the velocity–acceleration method, while caution should be applied when using this method to infer an athlete’s maximal acceleration capabilities.

Repeated Sprint Variations According to Circadian Rhythm at Different Menstrual Cycle Phases.

This study assessed the repeated sprint performance in relation to circadian rhythm during different menstrual cycle phases (MCP). Twelve volunteer eumenorrheic women team sport athletes performed 5×6-s cycling sprints in morning (9 am to 10 am) and evening (6 pm to 7 pm) sessions during the mid-follicular (FP, 6th-10th d) and luteal phases (LP, 19th-24th d). Body weight, oral body temperature, resting heart rate and lactate levels together with estradiol, progesterone and cortisol levels were determined before tests. Relative peak and mean power and performance decrements were determined as performance variables and maximum heart rate, lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were determined as physiological variables. Evening body temperatures were significantly higher. Cortisol levels were higher in the morning and in the FP. Resting lactate levels did not vary with MCP or time of day, but a significant MCP x time of day interaction was observed. Body weight showed no change according to time of day and MCP. There was no significant effect of MCP and time of day on performance and physiological variables, in contrast, maximum lactate values were notably higher in the evening. In conclusion, MCP and time of day need not be considered during repeated sprint exercises of eumenorrheic women athletes.

Analysis of the physical fitness and determinants of performance of beach handball athletes

IntroductionBeach handball, an emerging team sport derived from indoor handball, is characterized by high-intensity efforts. This study aimed to analyze the physical fitness profiles of elite beach handball players of both sexes and identify the characteristics that determine anaerobic power performance among these athletes. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 elite beach handball players. Anaerobic power, sprint performance, and change-of-direction ability were assessed. ResultsThere were no significant differences between men and women in anaerobic power and change-of-direction ability. Men showed better performance in the 15-meter sprint test (p = 004). A moderately strong positive correlation was found between anaerobic power and age. BMI did not significantly correlate with power performance. ConclusionsAge is an important determinant of anaerobic power, whereas body mass index does not play a significant role, especially among males.

Metabolic Phenotyping from Whole-Blood Responses to a Standardized Exercise Test May Discriminate for Physiological, Performance, and Illness Outcomes: A Pilot Study in Highly-Trained Cross-Country Skiers

BackgroundThis study used metabolic phenotyping to explore the responses of highly-trained cross-country skiers to a standardized exercise test, which was part of the athletes’ routine testing, and determine whether metabolic phenotyping could discriminate specific physiological, performance, and illness characteristics.MethodsTwenty-three highly-trained cross-country skiers (10 women and 13 men) participated in this study. Capillary whole-blood samples were collected before (at rest) and 2.5 min after (post-exercise) a roller-ski treadmill test consisting of 5–6 × 4-min submaximal stages followed by a self-paced time trial (~ 3 min) and analyzed using mass spectrometry. Performance level was defined by International Ski Federation distance and sprint rankings. Illness data were collected prospectively for 33 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analyses (OPLS-DA) followed by enrichment analyses were used to identify metabolic phenotypes of athlete groups with specific physiological, performance, and illness characteristics.ResultsBlood metabolite phenotypes were significantly different after the standardized exercise test compared to rest for metabolites involved in energy, purine, and nucleotide metabolism (all OPLS-DA p < 0.001). Acute changes in the metabolic phenotype from rest to post-exercise could discriminate athletes with: (1) higher vs. lower peak blood lactate concentrations; (2) superior vs. inferior performance levels in sprint skiing, and (3) ≥ 2 vs. ≤ 1 self-reported illness episodes in the 33-week study period (all p < 0.05). The most important metabolites contributing to the distinction of groups according to (1) post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, (2) sprint performance, and (3) illness frequency were: (1) inosine, hypoxanthine, and deoxycholic acid, (2) sorbitol, adenosine monophosphate, and 2-hydroxyleuroylcarnitine, and (3) glucose-6-phosphate, squalene, and deoxycholic acid, respectively.ConclusionMetabolic phenotyping discriminated between athlete groups with higher vs. lower post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, superior vs. inferior sprint skiing performance, and more vs. less self-reported illnesses. While the biological relevance of the identified biomarkers requires validation in future research, metabolic phenotyping shows promise as a tool for routine monitoring of highly-trained endurance athletes.

Effects of direction specific exercise training on athletic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The similarity between movement patterns and force-vector specificity of training exercises and the target movement will likely result in the greatest transfer of the practiced skills and physical abilities to the intended sports skill performance. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate whether specific adaptations in athletic performance would be observed following direction specific exercise training. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE. Studies comparing acute (post-activation potentiation enhancement) and short-term (>2 weeks) effects of horizontally vs. vertically oriented resistance and plyometric training on athletic performance of recreationally active participants of either sex were included. The effect sizes were determined using a robust variance estimation random-effects model and were reported as Hedge's g. Twenty-two studies were included. For acute studies (n = 4), a small non-significant effect favoring horizontal training (HT) for sprint performance improvements (g = -0.19, p = 0.17) was evident. For short-term studies (n = 18), the results showed non-significant, small to large differences between HT and vertical training (VT) in pooled vertical and horizontal jump improvements (g = 0.06, p = 0.67), vertical (g = 0.21, p = 0.17) and horizontal jump (g = -0.15, p = 0.40), pooled vertical and horizontal maximal strength (g = 0.27, p = 0.42), horizontal (g = -0.83, p = 0.16) and vertical maximal strength (g = 0.78, p = 0.28), pooled short and medium distance sprint (g = -0.23, p = 0.16), short (g = -0.33 [-0.85, 0.19], p = 0.19) and medium (g = -0.12 [-0.37, 0.13], p = 0.28) distance sprint, and COD speed and maneuverability (g = -0.45, p = 0.26). HT and VT were both equally effective in improving vertically and horizontally athletic performance, potentially refuting the theory of directional specificity of training on athletic performance outcomes.

Exploring the potent enhancement effects of plyometric training on vertical jumping and sprinting ability in sports individuals.

This meta-analysis examines the impact of different combinations of plyometric training (complexity, training volume, and rest intervals) on immediate vertical jump and sprint performance in athletes. A systematic search was conducted in four databases, and Cochrane guidelines were used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Review Manager 5.4 software was employed to analyze outcome measures. Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 293 participants were included. Single plyometric training-induced post-activation potentiation (PAP) had a slight positive effect on vertical jump performance [SMD = -0.24, 95% CI (-0.38, -0.1), P = 0.0009]. Optimal results were observed with rest intervals of 0.3-4min (SMD = 0.30, P = 0.0008). Sprint performance showed slight improvement [SMD = 0.27, 95% CI (0.03, 0.52), P = 0.03]. Complex plyometric training had a moderate effect on vertical jump performance [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI (-0.86, -0.23), P = 0.002], with the best outcomes seen with rest intervals exceeding 8min (SMD = 0.77). Sprint performance also improved significantly [SMD = 0.8, 95% CI (0.01, 1.59), P = 0.05]. Single-session plyometric training did not significantly enhance vertical jump performance [SMD = -0.19, 95% CI (-0.41, -0.02), P = 0.07], but had a notable effect on sprint performance [SMD = 0.8, 95% CI (0.01, 1.59), P = 0.05], particularly with rest intervals exceeding 8min (SMD = 0.77). Multiple-session plyometric training improved vertical jump (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI [0.01, 1.59), P = 0.00001 < 0.05], with optimal effects observed at rest intervals of 5-7min (SMD = 0.64). Sprint performance also improved [SMD = 0.46, 95% CI (0.01, 0.81), P = 0.01 < 0.05]. Plyometric training as an activation method has significant enhancing effects, depending on training complexity, volume, and rest intervals.

First person – Daniel Lenthall

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Biology Open, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Daniel Lenthall is first author on ‘ Lower-limb coordination changes following a 6-week training intervention that elicited enhancements to maximum velocity sprint performance’, published in BiO. Daniel is a Master's in Research student at Leeds Beckett University, and strength and conditioning coach in the lab of Mr Andreas Wallbaum at the University of Bath, Bath, UK, investigating research that bridges the gap between theory and practice, making a meaningful impact beyond academia.

Caffeine Gum Improves Reaction Time but Reduces Composure Versus Placebo During the Extra-Time Period of Simulated Soccer Match-Play in Male Semiprofessional Players.

This study aimed to determine whether caffeine gum influenced perceptual-cognitive and physical performance during the extra-time period of simulated soccer match-play. Semiprofessional male soccer players (n = 12, age: 22 ± 3years, stature: 1.78 ± 0.06m, mass: 75 ± 9kg) performed 120-min soccer-specific exercise on two occasions. In a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design, players chewed caffeinated (200mg; caffeine) or control (0mg; placebo) gum for 5min following 90min of soccer-specific exercise. Perceptual-cognitive skills (i.e.,passing accuracy, reaction time, composure, and adaptability) were assessed using a soccer-specific virtual reality simulator, collected pre- and posttrial. Neuromuscular performance (reactive-strength index, vertical jump height, absolute and relative peak power output, and negative vertical displacement) and sprint performance (15 and 30m) were measured at pretrial, half-time, 90min, and posttrial. Caffeine gum attenuated declines in reaction time (pre: 90.8 ± 0.8AU to post: 90.7 ± 0.8AU) by a further 4.2% than placebo (pre: 92.1 ± 0.8AU to post: 88.2 ± 0.8AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum reduced composure by 4.7% (pre: 69.1 ± 0.8AU to post: 65.9 ± 0.8AU) versus placebo (pre: 68.8 ± 0.8AU to post: 68.3 ± 0.8AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum did not influence any other variables (p > .05). Where caffeine gum is consumed by players prior to extra-time, reaction time increases but composure may be compromised, and neuromuscular and sprint performance remain unchanged. Future work should assess caffeine gum mixes with substances like L-theanine that promote a relaxed state under stressful conditions.

Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Foot Pressure Distribution and Stabilometric Performance of Sprinters

The study was conducted to determine the effect of proprioceptive training on foot pressuredistribution and stabilometric performance of sprinters.To facilitate the study ten female sprinters of the LNIPE match practice group were selected. The selectedsubjects were in the range of 18 to 24 years of age.BTS-P-Walk (Bodopometric platform) was used to collect the data for this study. The subjects were askedto stand still in a normal standing position on the bodopometric platform and data was recorded for a 05-sec duration.The data collected from participants were statistically analyzed by employing paired t-test to examine thesignificant effect of proprioceptive training on the dependent variablesThe result has exhibited that the obtained value of paired t-test has shown an insignificant differencebetween the pre-test and post-test of the female sprinters as the p-value is greater at 0.05 level ofsignificance.

Enhancing team sports performance: a case study of the optimal post-warm-up time window

AbstractWarm-up routines are crucial for performance enhancement in team sports, with their effectiveness varying based on individual profiles, exercise mode and timing relative to the activity. This study investigates the impact of a 5–10 min interval post-warm-up on physical performance and sympathetic stimulus, as indicated by salivary biomarkers, in 19 college athletes. Performance was assessed via countermovement jump, 20 m sprint and handgrip strength tests conducted pre-warm-up, 5 min post-warm-up and 10 min post-warm-up. Saliva samples were collected at each stage to evaluate flux, α-amylase activity and protein content. Significant effects (p &lt; .001) were observed in all three performance measures and saliva markers. Notably, sprint performance showed the greatest enhancement at the 5 min mark post-warm-up, while jumping improvements persisted through the 10 min window. However, a slight decline in sprint ability was observed from 5 to 10 min post-warm-up. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing warm-up timing and eventually considering re-warm-up strategies to maximize acute performance in team sports.

Physical Performance Changes in Season are Associated with GPS Data in Soccer Players.

This study investigated the associations between pre-season and in-season performance with external workload in professional soccer players. Twenty-one players completed hamstring strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests before (pre-season) and after 8 weeks (in-season). External workload (total distance, high-intensity running distance, number of sprints, and power plays) was quantified during this period, and used to divide the average above and below subgroups outcome by outcome for further analyses. Significance was accepted when P≤0.05. Hamstring strength declined from pre- to in-season [- 6%; p=0.014; effect size (ES): - 0.41], while Yo-Yo performance improved (46%; p=0.001; ES: 1.31). When divided by high-intensity running distance, only the below-average subgroup improved CMJ performance (5%; p=0.030). For minutes played, the above-average subgroup improved Yo-Yo performance (41%; p<0.001), but not the below-average subgroup. Furthermore, playing time correlated with improved Yo-Yo performance (p=0.040; r=0.534). Improved 20-m sprint performance associated with more sprints performed (p=0.045; r=- 0.453). Physical capabilities changed over a competitive season and were related to, and differentiated by, external workload. Because hamstring strength decreased and CMJ only improved in players exposed to less high-intensity external load, practitioners should individualize approaches to counteract these conditions when high external workload is performed over the season.

An analysis of sprint kinematics: the effects of step distance, contact and flight time on sprint performance

An analysis of sprint kinematics: the effects of step distance, contact and flight time on sprint performance

Acute effects of whole-body vibration during dynamic lunge movement on jump and sprint performances

Acute effects of whole-body vibration during dynamic lunge movement on jump and sprint performances