Sprint Training Research Articles

The effect of different resistance and assistance loads on 30-m sprint kinematics.

Resisted sprint and assisted sprint are the two main types of training methods used by athletes in sprint training, so optimizing resisted sprint training and assisted sprint training process is beneficial for improving athletes' sprint performance. Kinematics is the most intuitive parameter that reflects the quality of training during running process, and it is particularly important to analyze the gait of athletes during resisted and assisted sprint process. Therefore, this paper investigates the effects of resisted and assisted sprint on the sprint kinematics of sprinters in the first 30 meters to demonstrate the targeted effects of resisted and assisted sprint training. The experimental results show that compared to the unloaded running, male collegiate sprinters increase their total step count, decrease their step length, increase their step time, increase their contact time, whereas have almost no change in the flight time when performing the 30-m resisted sprint. Male collegiate sprinters decrease their total step count, increase their step length, increase their step time, decrease their contact time and increase their flight time, when performing the 30-m assisted sprint. In addition, it is found that resisted sprint training is beneficial for improving the athletes' power and explosiveness during the acceleration phase, thereby improving acceleration ability. However, prolonged and frequent resisted sprint training may reduce the step length and step frequency of athletes. Assisted sprint training is beneficial for shortening the contact time of athletes, improving their step length and flight time, and enabling them to overspeed, thereby increasing their maximum speed ability.

The Use of Sleds as a Unique Training Technique for Anaerobic Performance Development among Young Basketball Players

(1) Playing basketball entails intense anaerobic activities, including short sprints, sudden stops, rapid direction changes, and jumps. Common training methods for enhancing players’ anaerobic fitness comprise sprint training, jump exercises, and interval training. The aim of this research was to compare the impact of three sprint-training methods on anaerobic capacity. (2) The study included 25 male basketball players, aged 16–18 years, from the National Youth League in Israel. The participants were divided into three groups: sled-pushing, sled-dragging (intervention), and no sled (control) sprint training. Twice-weekly sessions were conducted over a five-week period, in addition to their regular basketball training. Pre- and post-intervention tests included vertical and horizontal jumps, 5 and 20 m sprints, and agility tests. (3) The study revealed significant improvements in the horizontal jump in the sled-pushing group (≈3%) and a near-significant improvement in the sled-dragging group (≈2.9%). Less improvement was seen in the control group (≈1.8%). No improvements were seen in the vertical jump performance in any groups, despite an increase in the sled-pushing group (≈5.5%) and in the sled-dragging group (≈3%) compared to that in the control group (≈1.2%). Finally, no improvements were seen in sprint speed and agility in any group. (4) Despite the modest improvements observed in most tests across the three groups, the consistent and significant enhancement seen in the sled-pushing and sled-dragging groups compared to that in the control group suggests potential benefits for sled assistance in anaerobic training in young basketball players.

Effects of Repeated High-Intensity Effort Training or Repeated Sprint Training on Repeated High-Intensity Effort Ability and In-Game Performance in Professional Rugby Union Players.

Glaise, P, Rogowski, I, and Martin, C. Effects of repeated high-intensity effort training or repeated sprint training on repeated high-intensity effort ability and in-game performance in professional rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 932-940, 2024-This study investigated the effects of repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE) training compared with repeated sprint exercise (RSE) training on RHIE ability (RHIEa) and in-game performance in professional rugby union players. Thirty-nine, male, professional, rugby union players were randomly assigned to 3 training groups (RHIE training, RSE training, and control). Repeated high-intensity effort ability and high-intensity effort characteristics (including sprints, acceleration, and contact efforts) during official games were measured before and after a 10-week specific (RHIE, RSE, or control) training period. The results of this study showed that concerning RHIEa, both the RHIE and RSE training significantly increased the players' average sprint velocity ( p < 0.001, d = -0.39 and p < 0.001, d = -0.53 respectively), average sled push velocity (ASPV; p < 0.001, d = -0.81 and p = 0.017, d = -0.48 respectively), and RHIE score ( p < 0.001, d = -0.72 and p < 0.001, d = -0.60 respectively). Repeated high-intensity effort training trended in a smaller increase in average sprint velocity than RSE training, a larger increase in ASPV, and a similar increase in RHIE score. Concerning in-game high-intensity efforts, both the RHIE and RSE training produced significant improvements in the number of sprints ( p = 0.047, d = -0.28 and p < 0.001, d = -0.47 respectively), total distance ( p < 0.001, d = -0.50 and p = 0.002, d = -0.38 respectively), the number of accelerations ( p < 0.001, d = -0.37 and p = 0.003, d = -0.32 respectively), and contact rate ( p < 0.001, d = -0.97 and p = 0.020, d = -0.28 respectively). Conversely, the magnitude of the increase in contact rate was almost twice as high in RHIE compared with RSE training. To conclude, the findings of this study were that both RSE and RHIE training are effective methods for developing RHIEa and in-game high-intensity efforts in professional rugby union. In practical applications, as the gains in certain abilities and game performance data differed depending on the training method chosen, we suggest that coaches choose the most appropriate method according to the profile of the players, their position, and the style of play they want to develop.

Effects of Nordic versus Sprint Exercise Program in Prevention of Hamstring Injuries in Football Players

Background: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are frequent in football and other high-speed running sports. Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has been found to increase eccentric hamstring strength and decrease the risk of hamstring strain injury (HSI). Sprint exercise, which includes maximal eccentric contractions, is supposed to engage the hamstrings and prevent HSI. Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effectiveness of Nordic and sprint exercise programs in preventing hamstring injuries in football players. Methods: The study involved 26 male football players aged 18-25 years, who exercised regularly for 2-3 times a week in the preceding 3 months. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group received Nordic exercise and conventional treatment, while the other group received sprint training exercises and conventional treatment. The duration of the program was 6 weeks, with two 30-minute sessions per week. The evaluation was based on the 40m sprint test and active knee extension test, which were measured using a goniometer. The 40m sprint was timed, and the active knee extension test measured the range of motion. The results were analyzed based on these measurements. Results: The participants' average ages, heights, and weights were respectively 21.1538 1.91191, 1.74 0.029, and 74.8462 4.18275. Shapiro-Wilk test was applied showed data to be non-parametric distributed (P &lt; 0.05). Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests were used to analyze the difference between pre- and post-treatment scores in the experimental and control groups. which were found to significanlty improved in experimental group, while both groups found to be improved significantly in a pre-post analysis, p value &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: Both Nordic and sprint exercise programs were effective in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries. However, the Nordic exercise program showed significantly greater improvement in preventing HSI in football players.

Three sessions of repeated sprint training in normobaric hypoxia improves sprinting performance

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impacts of three-session repeated sprint training conducted in normobaric hypoxia with 48-h intervals on sprint performance, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores. A total of 27 moderately trained male university students voluntarily took part in this study. In this single-blind placebo-controlled study, subjects were assigned into normobaric hypoxia (FiO2: 13.6%; HYP), normobaric normoxia (FiO2: 20.9%; PLA), and control group (CON). The HYP and PLA groups underwent three repeated sprint training sessions (a total of four sets of five times 5-s sprints with a 5-min rest between sets and a 30-s rest between each sprint) on a cycle ergometer in normobaric hypoxia or normoxia conditions. Pre- and post-tests were performed 72 h before and after the training period. Three participants were excluded from the study, and the data from twenty-four participants were analyzed. Contrary to what was observed in the pre and post tests, no time and condition interactions were observed in the relative peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), percentage of sprint decrement score (Sdec%), and RPE parameters. Time effect was found in all observed variables respectively; relative PPO (F = 5.784, p = 0.045, η2 = 0.74), relative MPO (F = 3.927, p = 0.042, η2 = 0.66) and large time effect found for Sdec% (F = 11.430, p = 0.046, 0.83), and RPE (F = 14.990, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.96). A notable increase in relative peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) was observed in the post-test in comparison to the pre-test values, indicating statistical significance. The increase in PPO was in HYP 13.44% (p = 0.006), in PLA 7.48% (p = 0.264) and in CON 2.66% (p = 0.088). The decrease in Sdec% was in HYP -13.34%% (p = 0.048), PLA -10.54 (p = 0.577) and CON -4.83 (p = 0.644) at post-test. The results show that although there were no statistical differences between the groups, notable differences in performance-related variables were observed in the HYP group after 3 sessions of repetitive sprint training in hypoxia.

Effect of plyometric and sprint training on repeated sprint and vertical jump capacities in volleyball players aged 11 to 14 Years: A longitudinal study

In adults, plyometric training can positively influence repeated sprint ability, and sprint training can influence vertical jump capacity. However, in children and adolescents, such influences are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plyometric training on repeated sprinting ability and the effect of repeated sprint training on vertical jump performance in young volleyball players of both sexes. Longitudinal study with a sample of 30 adolescents, aged 11 to 14 years. The volunteers were divided into a control group, a plyometric training group, and a sprint training group, and they underwent six weeks of training (two sessions per week). Their repeated sprint ability was assessed using photocell technology, and their vertical jump capacity was evaluated on a platform with an interruption system. There was a significant difference in pre- and post-training within the groups. The Sprint Group showed improvement in the best sprint (p=0.023) and worst sprint (p=0.10). The group that performed additional plyometric training also showed improvement in the best sprint (p=0.004) and worst sprint (p=0.008). As for the countermovement vertical jump, the Sprint Group showed a significant difference from pre-training (5.04±0.67) to post-training (5.37±0.54). The repeated sprint training proved to be effective in improving both repeated sprint and vertical jump capabilities.

Impact of sprint training on bone health: a literature review of current evidence

Specific impact of sprint training (ST) on bone health has yet to be fully explored, in particular how it affects bone mineral density (BMD) and bone structure.Aim. To investigate the ST and bone health relationship between athletes of different training intensities and nonathletes of different ages.Materials and methods. A search of databases PubMed, Embase, and Pedro was conducted from January 2009 to August 2023. The full texts of all potentially relevant studies were obtained and evaluated by three independent reviewers for inclusion.Results. The comprehensive review of eight studies indicates a positive influence of ST on bone health. Sprinters show higher cortical and trabecular BMD in the tibia than controls, with a noted age-related decline in BMD. Short distance runners demonstrate significantly better BMD, counter-movement jump performance, and grip strength compared to long-distance runners. These benefits are consistent across various age groups, including older athletes, with minimal age-related changes in mid-tibial BMD. ST is also associated with a 21% increase in tibial stress-strain index, indicating sustained bone strength, and a reduction in fracture risk in the elderly through downregulation of fracture-related microRNAs.Conclusion. ST significantly enhances bone health, particularly in improving BMD and bone microarchitecture. Incorporating ST into exercise routines may benefit athletes and older individuals. Further research is essential to understand the mechanisms and develop optimal training protocols for bone health.

An 8-week injury prevention exercise program combined with change-of-direction technique training limits movement patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Knee ligament sprains are common during change-of-direction (COD) maneuvers in multidirectional team sports. This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week injury prevention exercise program containing COD-specific exercises and a similar program containing linear sprint exercises on injury- and performance-related variables during a 135° COD task. We hypothesized that the COD-specific training would lead to (H1) stronger reductions in biomechanical variables associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk during COD, i.e. knee abduction moment and angle, hip internal rotation angle and lateral trunk lean, and (H2) more effective improvements in COD performance according to the COD completion time, executed angle, ground contact time, and approach speed. Twenty-two sports science students (40% female) completed biomechanical assessments of COD movement strategies before and after participating in two supervised 25-min training sessions per week over 8 weeks. We observed significant ‘training x group’ interaction effects in support of H1: the COD-specific training but not the linear sprint training led to reduced peak knee abduction moments (interaction, p = 0.027), initial knee abduction (interaction, p < 0.001), and initial lateral trunk lean angles (interaction, p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Although the COD-specific training resulted in sharper executed angles (interaction, p < 0.001), the sprint-specific training group showed reduced COD completion (interaction, p = 0.037) and ground contact times (interaction, p < 0.001). In conclusion, a combination of generic and COD-specific injury prevention training resulted in COD technique adaptations that can help to avoid ACL injury-prone COD movements but may negatively affect COD speed.

Are there specific molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle to repeated sprint training in hypoxia?

Introduction&#x0D; Athletes increasingly engage in repeated sprint training that consists of repeated short all-out effort (&lt; 10 s) interspersed by short recoveries (&lt; 60 s). When performed in hypoxia (repeated sprints in hypoxia, RSH), it may lead to greater training effect than in normoxia (RSN). However, the mechanisms underlying this superior training effect of RSH are unclear. Specifically, the role of muscle metabolic response to RSH is still debated and results are heterogeneous. Clarifying the molecular pathways of skeletal muscle adaptations to RSH may thus provide new insights into the role of hypoxia-induced response to training.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Two groups of healthy young men (randomized) performed three training sessions/week for three weeks. Each training session consisted in six series of six sprints (6 s effort/24 s rest) in either normoxia (RSN, n = 7) or normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 = ~13%, RSH, n = 9). Before and after the training period, vastus lateralis muscle biopsies, a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and a Wingate test were performed. Metabolic muscle adaptations were studied with proteomics and western blotting.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; RSN and RSH similarly improved power output (p &lt; 0.05) during the RSA test (RSN: + 7.2 ± 7.7% vs. RSH: + 7.9 ± 6.6%) and the Wingate test (RSN: + 1.3 ± 3.6% vs. RSH: + 4.4 ± 5.0%). Proteomics revealed a decrease in several processes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, confirmed by Western Blot with a reduction (p &lt; 0.05) in complexes I (- 19 ± 30%) and V (- 15 ± 24%) protein levels in response to both RSN and RSH. RSN and RSH increased (p &lt; 0.05) protein levels of the hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α, + 111 ± 50%) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFa, + 91 ± 60%). Protein levels of the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase II increased (+ 119 ± 183%, p &lt; 0.05) after both training types. Only RSH induced increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4, + 31 ± 18%, p &lt; 0.05) protein level, suggesting specific glycolytic adaptations in response to hypoxia, supported by proteomics data. This specific adaptation may be triggered through the signaling of S100A protein family as we observed an increased S100A13 protein level (+ 467 ± 353%, p &lt; 0.05) and Akt phosphorylation (+ 21 ± 21%, time x group interaction, p &lt; 0.05) as well as several other S100A proteins in proteomics only after RSH training.&#x0D; Discussion/Conclusion&#x0D; To conclude, RSH did not exhibit in greater performance improvement compared to RSN. However, it further improved the glycolytic phenotype compared to RSN, possibly through specific S100A13 proteins signaling. Thus, we suggest that the reported superiority of RSH to RSN in the literature may stem from superior glycolytic adaptations triggered through the activation of a specific pathway involving S100A13 protein. The potential role of S100A13 protein in skeletal muscle adaptative responses to exercise is novel and the present results open new research perspectives in this field.

Sprint resisted swimming training effect on the swimmer’s hand orientation angles

The current study aimed to determine the effect of an 11-week sprint resisted swimming training programme on the swimming performance and the orientation angles of the hand. Fourteen young female swimmers were divided into two equivalent groups and were trained with specific sprint training sets. The experimental group performed these sets using a swimming parachute. For the evaluation of the intervention, before and at the end of the 11 weeks period both groups performed 50 m front crawl with maximal intensity and their underwater motion was recorded using four cameras. Their underwater movements were manually digitised using the Ariel Performance Analysis System and the statistical treatment of the data revealed a significant increase of the mean swimming velocity (3.76 ± 0.04 %) and stroke rate (3.09 ± 0.08 %) only in the experimental group. Moreover, a significant reduction of the total stroke duration (−4.26 ± 0.09 %) and the relative duration of the non-propulsive phases (−12.70 ± 0.23 %) was also observed only in the experimental group. The resultant velocity of the hand, and the pitch and sweepback angles of the hand remained unaffected in both groups during the pull and push phases. However, a significant decrease of the pitch angle (−47.44 ± 3.37 %) during the entry & catch phase was observed only in the experimental group. The increased performance and the higher mean swimming velocity after the current sprint resisted training programme was mainly due to the temporal modifications of the stroke, along with the pitch angle reduction during the entry & catch phase.

Assessment of inter-individual variability in hamstring muscle recovery after a sport-specific sprint training in women and men.

Background: Hamstring muscles are most affected by multiple sprint-based sports as a result of muscle strain during sprinting, leading to reduced performance and increased risk of injury. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess inter-individual variability in hamstrings recovery after a sport-specific repeated-sprint training (RST), through sprint-specific markers of muscle recovery and associated muscle damage biomarkers in women and men. Methods: Healthy females (n = 14) and males (n = 15) underwent 10 repeated 40-m sprints with a 3-min rest pause between each repetition. Force-generating capacity (FGC) by the 90° hip :20° knee test and range of motion Jurdan test, together with serum biomarkers [sarcomeric mitochondrial creatine kinase (sMtCK), oxidative stress, irisin] were tested at baseline and 24-, 48- and 72-h post-exercise through a repeated measures design. Participants were classified according to FGC loss into high responders (HR) and low responders (LR). Results: 21 individuals (10 females, 11 males) were classified as HR (FGC loss >20% and recovery >48h), while 8 individuals (4 females, 4 males) were classified as LR. HR individuals showed unrecovered maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque until 72h post-training (p = 0.003, np 2 = 0.170), whereas only HR males showed decreased range of motion (p = 0.026, np 2 = 0.116). HR individuals also showed increased sMtCK (p = 0.016, np 2 = 0.128), oxidative stress (p = 0.038, np 2 = 0.106) and irisin (p = 0.019, np 2 = 0.123). Conclusion: There is inter-individual variability in the muscular response to a sport-specific RST, identifiable by MVIC torque assessment. The findings support that the 90° hip :20° knee test is a powerful indirect test to screen hamstrings recovery in both women and men, in a cost-effective way. However, the Jurdan test might not be able to monitor hamstrings recovery in sportswomen after RST. Decreases in muscle capacity are linked to damage to muscle sarcolemma and mitochondria until 72h post-exercise. Overall, 72h will not be adequate time to restore hamstrings structure and function after a sport-specific RST in both female and male responders.

Effectiveness of short vs. long-distance sprint training on sprinting and agility performance in young soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short sprint-distance training (SST) compared with long sprint-distance training (LST), matched for the total session training volume, on short-, medium- and long-distance sprint performance and agility in young soccer players. Eighteen U19 male players (age: 17.1 ± 0.7 years; height: 178.0 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 69.4 ± 6.6 kg) were randomly assigned to SST (n = 9) or LST (n = 9) group. The intervention programs were performed 2 times a week over 6 weeks. Before and after training period, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m sprint, and agility were assessed. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements (p ≤ 0.001) in 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m sprint from pretest to posttest in SST (9.2%, 6.6%, 5.3%, 2.9%, and 2.5%, respectively) and LST (10.5%, 8.5%, 6.5%, 5.1%, and 4.7%, respectively). Players in both SST and LST also showed significant enhancements in agility from pretest to posttest. In the between-groups analysis, there were no differences between the sprint training groups (SST vs. LST) in any variable (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that both sprint training distances used seem to be effective to improve soccer-specific performance measures. However, due to the better percentage changes obtained by LST group in all fitness variables, this method could be considered as preferred method.

Limb-belt resisted sprint training improves physical fitness and ball-throw velocity in pubertal handball players.

The study assessed the effect of six weeks of biweekly upper and lower limbs' weighted-belt resisted sprint training (BRST) and weighted-vest resisted sprint training (VRST), or normal sprint training (NST) on muscle strength, speed, change of direction and handball-throwing velocity in young handball players. Twenty-seven pubertal male handball players aged 14.4 years were randomly assigned into BRST (n = 9), VRST (n = 8), and NST (n = 8) groups. Sprint ability (10-m and 30-m), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), free-arm countermovement jump (CMJFA), standing long jump (SLJ), Five-jump test (FJT), change of direction and handball-throw velocity were assessed before and after a 6-week training in-season program. Within-group interactions showed that BRST improved all tests' performances (moderate-to-large). VRST improved sprint, SLJ, FJT and handball-throw velocity performances (small-to-large). NST improved only the change of direction performances (moderate). Between-groups comparison revealed that BRST improved all testing performances, except change of direction, compared with NST (large) and improved 30-m sprint, CMJFA, FJT and handball-throw velocity performance compared with VRST (moderate-to-large). In addition, VRST improved 30-m sprint, SJ and handball-throw velocity performances compared with NST (moderate-to-large). Throwing performance changes correlated with changes in sprint time and horizontal and vertical jump abilities (r = 0.40 to r = 0.69; p < 0.01). We conclude that while both resisted sprint training improved players' sprint, jumping and handball-throw performances, substantial improvements were recorded with the BRST compared to VRST and NST. Thus, BRST could be recommended to male U15 handball players as a valuable training method for developing physical fitness and skill performances.

Effects of interval and sprint training under hypobaric hypoxia on aerobic, anaerobic, and time trial performance in elite Korean national male mountain bike cyclists—a pilot study

Effects of interval and sprint training under hypobaric hypoxia on aerobic, anaerobic, and time trial performance in elite Korean national male mountain bike cyclists—a pilot study

Changes in eccentric utilization ratio, reactive strength index and leg stiffness in highly trained sprinters between training phases

Purpose: To determine changes in eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), reactive strength index (RSI), squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) parameters in elite sprinters from the preparation phase to the competition (indoor) phase.Methods:Ten elite-level sprinters (n=10) were examined. All sprinters performed the SJ, CMJ and 10/5 rebound jump (RJ) tests. Body composition analysis was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. A paired t-test was performed to determine statistical significance.Results:SJ height and relative peak power increased significantly from 43.10 ± 6.1 cm to 46.30 ± 5.7 cm (P= .013, Cohen’s d= .98) and from 52.62 ± 4.5 W·kg BM-1 to 55.55 ± 4.5 W·kg BM-1 (P= .017, d= .92) respectively. CMJ height and relative peak power increased significantly from 46.78 ± 6.1 cm to 49.18 ± 5.5 cm (P= .039, d= .76) and from 55.53 ± 4.1 W·kg BM-1 to 57.92 ± 4.0 W·kg BM-1 (P= .024, d= .86) respectively. No significant differences were observed in RJ performance parameters.Conclusions:SJ and CMJ height, flight time and peak power output per body mass increased in elite sprinters from the preparation to the competition phase while RSI, EUR and leg stiffness (LS) values did not. SJ and CMJ performance can be used as markers of training phase changes in elite sprinters. EUR should be used cautiously to determine training status in elite sprinters since sprint training encompasses reactive strength training all year round. Reactive strength levels via RSI and stiffness levels should be assessed individually in each training phase to determine whether the measured value of these parameters is satisfactory to optimize competition readiness. LS levels should not be compared to general guidelines but rather individually to the athletes’ sprint performance and then training should be adjusted accordingly.

The effects of resisted sprint training programs on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed in male soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to observe the effects of resisted sprint training (RST) on jump ability, linear sprint, and change of direction speed (CODS) performance in male soccer players. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SportDiscus electronic databases were used as information resources from interception until 30 October 2023. A PICOS (participants, intervention, comparators, outcomes, and study design) approach was used to rate studies’ eligibility. The results of the overall effects on RST showed a significant and moderate improvement between pre- and post-test on full sprint time [effect size (ES) -0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) – 1.62, -0.09), Z=2.20 (P= .03)]. Resisted sprint training was associated with significant moderate improvement in CODS [ES -0.92 (95% CI – 1.63, -0.20), Z=2.51 (P= .01)]. Pooled effects of RST on vertical jump height performance showed small and not significant improvements between pre- and post-test [ES 0.28 (95% CI – 0.17, 0.73), Z=1.23 (P= .22)]. Also, regarding the moderator variables, the subgroup analysis suggested high levels of between-group heterogeneity only with session volume in sprint time and CODS performance. Resisted sprint training effectively enhances linear sprint time and CODS performance in male soccer players, whereas this improvement was not significant for vertical jump height.

The effect of supplementing regular training with short-duration sprint-agility training on sprint-ability performance in university level badminton players

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The badminton being a highly explosive sport involves a unique movement technique and strength with a combination of speed (anaerobic fitness) and endurance (aerobic fitness). Strength, power, agility, and flexibility are key components of fitness as a part of a player’s fitness training. This training helps to promote recovery from exercise as well as restoring muscle energy for the next bout of activity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementary regular training and short-duration sprint-agility training versus regular training on sprint-ability performance in university-level badminton players. METHODOLOGY: Thirty university-level badminton players were selected randomly and divided into Group A as regular training along with short-duration sprint-agility training and Group B as regular training group. Groups A and B received regular training for 5 days for 4 weeks and short-duration sprint-agility training for 2 days a week, respectively. Pre- and postset of performance tests were conducted which consist of 10-m sprint, 20-m sprint, 300-m shuttle run, badminton-specific repeated-agility sprint-ability test, and 20-m multistage shuttle run test for oxygen consumption (VO2). RESULTS: There was a significant increase between both the groups in badminton shuttle distance (Group-A 34.51% &gt;Group-B 13.87%), 20 m sprint time (Group-A 15.02% &gt;Group-B 9.57%), and VO2 max (Group-A 5.61% &gt;Group-B 3.94%). CONCLUSION: Supplementing regular training with sessions of short-duration sprint training led to substantial increase in repeated-agility sprint performance which helps to restore muscle energy and improve activity performance in university-level badminton players.

Contemporary practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in designing and applying small-sided games.

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the current practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in the design and implementation of small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer. A total of 187 male coaches participated in the online survey, consisting of 82 Portuguese and 105 Brazilian individuals. These coaches held various positions within the technical staff, with 63 serving as head coaches, 38 as assistant coaches, 38 as physical trainers, and 48 in other roles related to the technical staff. Additionally, the participants represented both youth (n = 102) and adult competitive levels (n = 59), along with some who were not currently associated with a specific group. The survey consisted of 32 questions divided into three main sections: (i) the timing of SSG application, (ii) the methods used for applying SSGs, and (iii) the reasons for applying SSGs. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between nationality and the frequency of SSGs used in training sessions during the pre-season (p = 0.039) and in-season (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant association between nationality and the time allocated to employing SSGs for targeting aerobic training (p < 0.001) was found. There was a significant association between nationality and the weekly frequency of SSGs use for targeting sprint training (p = 0.019). The Chi-square test identified significant associations between nationality and the use of SSGs for targeting technical training (p = 0.002), as well as for tactical training (p = 0.002). In summary, this study underscores that SSGs are primarily employed to enhance aerobic fitness, change of direction, technical skills, and tactical behaviors. Coaches generally favor employing SSGs two to three times a week, with typical sessions lasting between 16 to 30 minutes. Notably, the major discrepancies between nationalities lie in the importance assigned to the use of SSGs. However, in practice, the formats and objectives for implementing SSGs remain relatively similar.

The Effect of Resisted Sprint Training on Acceleration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Effect of Resisted Sprint Training on Acceleration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Optimization of Sprint Training Among European Coaches: Quality Over Quantity.

To describe how high-level European sprint coaches (from 100 to 400m) work to improve important factors associated with the quality of the holistic training process and the quality of the specific training session. A descriptive analysis was conducted using questionnaires from 31 European elite sprint coaches (ie,training athletes defined as tiers 3, 4, and 5) who participated voluntarily. The coaches used traditional periodization (45%) with a 10- to 15-day tapering phase (48%) that includes a reduction in volume, maintenance of intensity, and focus on correct technical execution. In the 3 mesophases, coaches prioritized the basic development of strength and sprint work in the first phases of the season and emphasized more sprint-specific work in the competitive phase. Before sessions, adjustments were made based on factors such as psychological (77%), technical (48%), and physical (39%) parameters. In-session load management relies on a combination of objective and subjective measures (55%), in which the dialogue with athletes (65%) was regarded as the main resource. Feedback during and after sessions covers technical (54%), psychological (48%), and physical (35%) aspects. Recovery protocols after sessions mainly involve rest and professional guidance (42%). For performance assessment and testing, coaches utilize countermovement jump (52%), force-velocity profile (45%), and 30-m flying (61%) as main tools. European sprint coaches demonstrated a comprehensive approach to planning and management, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of their training methodologies and the diverse tools employed for athlete testing and monitoring.