The Effects of Resisted Post-Activation Sprint Performance Enhancement in Elite Female Sprinters

Considering the effectiveness of resisted sprint training, and the acute enhancement of sprinting performance through locomotor post-activation performance enhancement, the main objective of the research was to determine the acute effects of resisted activation with loads of 5, 10, and 15% body mass on sprint and flying start sprint performance in elite female sprinters using resisted drag technology system. Ten elite female sprinters (age: 23.2 ± 5.4 years, body mass: 54.2 ± 6.1 kg, height: 167.4 ± 7.3 cm, personal best for 100 m: 12.05 ± 0.56 s, and for 400 m: 53.17 ± 2.76 s) performed two unresisted 20-m sprints (from a crouched and flying start) before and after a single resisted sprint loaded with 5, 10, or 15% body mass to verify the effectiveness of the activation stimulus. Compared with pre-activation, Friedman tests showed that peak velocity increased by 1.6 ± 2.2% [effect size (ES) = 0.66], 2.3 ± 1.5% (ES = 1.33), and 0.2 ± 1% (ES = 0.09), as well as peak force by 2.8 ± 2.1% (ES = 0.49), 3.5 ± 2.3% (ES = 1), and 0.5 ± 2.4% (ES = 0.14), concomitant with a significant decreased in sprint time by −0.5 ± 1.2% (ES = −0.07), −2.5 ± 1.3% (ES = −0.64), and −1 ± 1.4% (ES = −0.36) for the 5, 10, and 15% body mass post-activation, respectively (p < 0.001; for all). Furthermore, the ANOVA showed that peak power increased by 2.9 ± 2.3% (ES = 0.61), 3.8 ± 2.2% (ES = 1.05), and 2 ± 7.1% (ES = 0.22) for the 5, 10, and 15% body mass resisted-conditioning activity, respectively, with no difference between the three conditions (p = 0.003 main effect time, no interaction). Moreover, compared with the 5 and 15% body mass trials [−1.5 ± 2% (ES = −0.44), −0.8 ± 0.8% (ES = −0.44), respectively], the ANOVA showed that flying start sprint time significantly decreased by −4.3 ± 1.1% (ES = −1.25) (p < 0.001, interaction effect) after a 10% body mass resisted-conditioning activity. The results of this study indicated that resisted sprints acutely enhance sprint performance; however, their effectiveness depends on the applied load. A single resisted sprint using 10% body mass is effective at inducing a potentiating effect on subsequent 20-m flying start sprint performance in elite female sprinters. Therefore, keeping in mind the optimal load, it is recommended to perform resisted sprints as a conditioning activation when seeking to acutely enhance 20-m flying start sprint performance in these athletes.

Download Full-text

Influence of Strength Level on the Acute Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Following Flywheel and Free Weight Resistance Training

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20247156 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (24) ◽

pp. 7156

Author(s):

Borja Sañudo ◽

Moisés de Hoyo ◽

G Gregory Haff ◽

Alejandro Muñoz-López

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Body Mass ◽

Performance Enhancement ◽

Group Analysis ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Back Squat ◽

Free Weight ◽

Before And After ◽

Positive Effect

This study aimed to compare the post-activation potentiation performance enhancement (PAPE) response to the acute inertial flywheel (FW) and free weight resistance training (TRA) on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprint performance (10 m sprint). This study used a randomized crossover design including twenty-eight healthy males that were divided into strong (relative one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat > 2.0 × body mass) and weak (relative 1RM back squat < 2.0 × body mass) groups. All participants performed the following: (a) three reps at 90% of their 1RM back squat (TRA) and (b) three reps on an inertial FW (plus one repetition to initiate flywheel movement) with an intensity that generated a mean propulsive velocity equal to that achieved with 90% of the 1RM back squat. Before and after the conditioning activity, participants performed two CMJs and two 10 m sprints. Within-group analyses showed significantly greater CMJ (d > 0.9, p < 0.001) and sprint performance (d > 0.5, p < 0.05) in the FW and the TRA group. Between-group analysis showed that sprint changes were significantly greater in the FW-strong group when compared with the TRA (F1,18 = 5.11, p = 0.036, η2p = 0.221—large) group. These results suggest that using a squat activation protocol on a FW may lead to an acute positive effect on jump and sprint performance, especially in stronger individuals.

Download Full-text

The Acute Post-Activation Performance Enhancement of the Bench Press Throw in Disabled Sitting Volleyball Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073818 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3818

Author(s):

Michal Krzysztofik ◽

Patryk Matykiewicz ◽

Diana Celebanska ◽

Jakub Jarosz ◽

Eliza Gawel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Peak Power ◽

Bench Press ◽

Performance Enhancement ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Volleyball Players ◽

Before And After ◽

Bar Velocity ◽

Post Hoc

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of the bench press exercise with predetermined velocity loss percentage on subsequent bench press throw (BPT) performance with raised legs or feet on the floor among disabled, sitting volleyball players. Twelve elite sitting volleyball athletes (age = 33 ± 9 years; body mass = 84.7 ± 14.7 kg; relative bench press maximum strength = 1.0 ± 0.3 kg/body mass) took part in this study. The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed a single set of bench press with a 60% one-repetition maximum (1RM) to a 10% decrease of mean bar velocity as a conditioning activity (CA). The BPT with a 60%1RM was performed to assess changes in peak power (PP), peak velocity (PV) before and after the CA. The differences between analyzed variables before and after the CA were verified using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (condition × time; 2 × 2). The ANOVA showed a significant main effect of time for peak bar velocity (p = 0.03; η2 = 0.312) and peak power output (p = 0.037; η2 = 0.294). The post hoc comparison showed a significant increase in post-CA peak bar velocity and peak power for raised legs condition in comparison with pre-CA value (p = 0.02, p = 0.041, respectively). The present study showed that the subsequent BPT performed with raised legs could be enhanced by the bench press with a 60% 1RM to a 10% mean bar velocity decrease as a CA among disabled sitting volleyball players. Therefore, athletes and coaches can consider performing a bench press throw with raised legs without compromising performance.

Download Full-text

Effect of Heavy Resisted Sled Sprint Training During the Competitive Season on Sprint and Change-of-Direction Performance in Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0592 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1066-1073 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Brian J. McMorrow ◽

Massimiliano Ditroilo ◽

Brendan Egan

Keyword(s):

Training Group ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Confidence Limits ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Competitive Season ◽

Before And After ◽

Total Program

Purpose: Resisted sled sprinting (RSS) is an effective tool for improving sprint performance over short distances, but the effect on change-of-direction (COD) performance is largely unknown. The present study investigated the effect of heavy RSS training during the competitive season on sprint and COD performance in professional soccer players. Methods: Over 6 wk in-season, an RSS training group (n = 6) performed RSS at a sled load of 30% body mass for a total program running distance of 800 m, whereas an unresisted sprint (URS) training group (n = 7) performed the same distance of unresisted sprinting. A 20-m maximal sprint with split times measured at 5, 10, and 20 m and the sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with 180° turns COD test were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Sprint performance (mean, 95% confidence limits, qualitative inference) was improved in both groups over 5 m (URS, 5.1%, −2.4 to 12.7, likely moderate; RSS, 5.4%, 0.5–10.4, likely moderate), 10 m (URS, 3.9%, −0.3 to 8.1, very likely moderate; RSS, 5.0%, 1.8–8.0, very likely large), and 20 m (URS, 2.0%, −0.6 to 4.5, likely moderate; RSS, 3.0%, 1.7–4.4, very likely moderate). COD was improved in both groups (URS, 3.7%, 2.2–5.2, most likely large; RSS, 3.3%, 1.6–5.0, most likely moderate). Between-groups differences were unclear. Conclusion: Heavy RSS and URS training matched for running distance were similarly effective at improving sprint and COD performance in professional soccer players when performed in the competitive phase of the season.

Download Full-text

Effects of Sprint Training With or Without Ball Carry in Elite Rugby Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2014-0193 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 761-766 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Laurent B. Seitz ◽

Matt Barr ◽

G. Gregory Haff

Keyword(s):

Rugby League ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Training Intervention ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Time Condition ◽

Factorial Anova ◽

Training Groups ◽

Group Time ◽

Before And After ◽

Rugby Players

Purpose:To compare the effects of sprint training with or without ball carry on the sprint performance of elite rugby league players.Methods:Twenty-four elite rugby league players were divided into a ball-carry group (BC; n = 12) and a no-ball-carry group (NBC; n = 12). The players of the BC group were required to catch and carry the ball under 1 arm during each sprint, whereas the NBC group performed sprints without carrying a ball. The 8-wk training intervention took place during the precompetitive phase of the season and consisted of 2 sessions/wk. Sprint performance was measured before and after the training intervention with 40-m linear sprints performed under 2 conditions: with and without ball carry. Split times of 10, 20, and 40 m were recorded for further analysis. A 3-way (group × time × condition) factorial ANOVA was performed to compare changes in sprint performance with and without the ball, before and after the training intervention for both BC and NBC training groups.Results:The BC and NBC groups experienced similar improvements in 10-, 20-, and 40-m sprint times and accelerations, regardless of the condition under which the sprint tests were performed (P = .19).Conclusions:Sprint training while carrying a rugby ball is as effective as sprint training without carrying a rugby ball for improving the sprint performance of elite rugby league players.

Download Full-text

Very-Heavy Sled Training for Improving Horizontal-Force Output in Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2016-0444 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 840-844 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Jean-Benoît Morin ◽

George Petrakos ◽

Pedro Jiménez-Reyes ◽

Scott R. Brown ◽

Pierre Samozino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Effect Size ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Force Production ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Horizontal Force ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Practical Applications

Background:Sprint running acceleration is a key feature of physical performance in team sports, and recent literature shows that the ability to generate large magnitudes of horizontal ground-reaction force and mechanical effectiveness of force application are paramount. The authors tested the hypothesis that very-heavy loaded sled sprint training would induce an improvement in horizontal-force production, via an increased effectiveness of application.Methods:Training-induced changes in sprint performance and mechanical outputs were computed using a field method based on velocity–time data, before and after an 8-wk protocol (16 sessions of 10- × 20-m sprints). Sixteen male amateur soccer players were assigned to either a very-heavy sled (80% body mass sled load) or a control group (unresisted sprints).Results:The main outcome of this pilot study is that very-heavy sled-resisted sprint training, using much greater loads than traditionally recommended, clearly increased maximal horizontal-force production compared with standard unloaded sprint training (effect size of 0.80 vs 0.20 for controls, unclear between-groups difference) and mechanical effectiveness (ie, more horizontally applied force; effect size of 0.95 vs –0.11, moderate between-groups difference). In addition, 5-m and 20-m sprint performance improvements were moderate and small for the very-heavy sled group and small and trivial for the control group, respectively.Practical Applications:This brief report highlights the usefulness of very-heavy sled (80% body mass) training, which may suggest value for practical improvement of mechanical effectiveness and maximal horizontal-force capabilities in soccer players and other team-sport athletes.Results:This study may encourage further research to confirm the usefulness of very-heavy sled in this context.

Download Full-text

Effect of Traditional and Resisted Sprint Training in Highly Trained Female Team Handball Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2014-0276 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 642-647 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Live S. Luteberget ◽

Truls Raastad ◽

Olivier Seynnes ◽

Matt Spencer

Keyword(s):

Pennation Angle ◽

Muscle Architecture ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Fascicle Length ◽

Sprint Time ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Team Handball ◽

Perfect Correlation ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Fast acceleration is an important performance factor in handball. In addition to traditional sprint training (TST), resisted-sprint training (RST) is a method often used to improve acceleration. However, studies on RST show conflicting results, and underlying mechanisms have not been studied.Purpose:To compare the effects of RST, by sled towing, against TST on sprint performance and muscle architecture.Methods:Participants (n = 18) were assigned to either RST or TST and completed 2 training sessions of RST or TST per week (10 wk), in addition to their normal team training. Sprint tests (10 and 30 m) and measurements of muscle architecture were performed pre- and posttraining.Results:Beneficial effects were found in the 30-m-sprint test for both groups (mean; ±90% CL: TST = −0.31; ±0.19 s, RST = −0.16; ±0.13 s), with unclear differences between the groups. Only TST had a beneficial effect on 10-m time (−0.04; ±0.04 s), with a likely difference between the 2 groups (85%, ES = 0.60). Both groups had a decrease in pennation angle (−6.0; ±3.3% for TST and −2.8; ±2.0% for RST), which had a nearly perfect correlation with percentage change in 10-m-sprint performance (r = .92). A small increase in fascicle length (5.3; ±3.9% and 4.0; ±2.1% for TST and RST, respectively) was found, with unclear differences between groups.Discussion:TST appears to be more effective than RST in enhancing 10-m-sprint time. Both groups showed similar effects in 30-m-sprint time. A similar, yet small, effect of sprint training on muscle architecture was observed in both groups.

Download Full-text

Optimizing the load for peak power and peak velocity development during resisted sprinting

Physical Activity Review ◽

10.16926/par.2021.09.15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 128-134

Author(s):

Aleksander Matusiński ◽

Artur Gołaś ◽

Adam Zając ◽

Magdalena Nitychoruk ◽

Adam Maszczyk

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Body Height ◽

Ground Surface ◽

Random Order ◽

Maximum Speed ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Technology System ◽

Additional Resistance ◽

Sprinting Speed ◽

Resisted Sprinting

Introduction: Resistance towing is perhaps the most specific form of developing strength and power in muscles involved directly during the start, acceleration and at maximum speed. Resisted sprint training may involve towing a sled which provides an overload through the friction between the sled and ground surface or a modern advanced training device which uses drag technology to provide fully controlled resistance during the movement, such as the 1080 Sprint. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the optimal loading for the development of power in the engine assisted drag technology system SPRINT 1080. Material and methods: We evaluated the changes in running velocity and the generated force and power during resisted sprints over 30m with a load of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 kg. Seven male sprinters with national and international experience participated in the study. Their average age, body mass and body height were 22.2 ± 2.4 years, 77.43 ± 4.63 kg, and 178.6 ± 3.2 cm, respectively. All athletes performed six 30 m sprints with 5 min rest intervals in between. The first sprint was performed without additional resistance, while the remaining 5 were performed in an random order with additional resistance of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 kg. After receiving a verbal signal, the participant started at will from a semi crouched position. During the resisted sprint trials, the time [s] and the following variables were recorded in peak values: power output [W], generated force [N], and sprinting velocity [m/s]. Results: Our results show that loading with 6 kg decreased sprinting velocity by 9.37% while the generated horizontal power increased by 31,32%. The 6 kg loading on the Sprint 1080device corresponded to 8% body mass, yet as mentioned before the baseline results were not fully free sprinting as the tested athletes reached velocities 0.5-0.6 m/s greater without the harness. Conclusion: Taking into account this fact, our results seem to confirm previous findings, that external loads between 8 and 13% may be optimal for improving power and sprinting speed at the same time.

Download Full-text

Quantifying Neuromuscular Fatigue Induced by an Intense Training Session in Rugby Sevens

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2016-0030 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 218-223 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Bruno Marrier ◽

Yann Le Meur ◽

Julien Robineau ◽

Mathieu Lacome ◽

Anthony Couderc ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertical Jump ◽

Training Session ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Sprint Time ◽

Negative Change ◽

Jump Test ◽

Large Correlation ◽

Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽

Before And After ◽

Intense Training

Purpose:To compare the sensitivity of a sprint vs a countermovement-jump (CMJ) test after an intense training session in international rugby sevens players, as well as analyze the effects of fatigue on sprint acceleration.Methods:Thirteen international rugby sevens players completed two 30-m sprints and a set of 4 repetitions of CMJ before and after a highly demanding rugby sevens training session.Results:Change in CMJ height was unclear (–3.6%; ±90% confidence limits 11.9%. Chances of a true positive/trivial/negative change: 24/10/66%), while a very likely small increase in 30-m sprint time was observed (1.0%; ±0.7%, 96/3/1%). A very likely small decrease in the maximum horizontal theoretical velocity (V0) (–2.4; ±1.8%, 1/4/95%) was observed. A very large correlation (r = –.79 ± .23) between the variations of V0 and 30-m-sprint performance was also observed. Changes in 30-m sprint time were negatively and very largely correlated with the distance covered above the maximal aerobic speed (r = –.71 ± .32).Conclusions:The CMJ test appears to be less sensitive than the sprint test, which casts doubts on the usefulness of a vertical-jump test in sports such as rugby that mainly involve horizontal motions. The decline in sprint performance relates more to a decrease in velocity than in force capability and is correlated with the distance covered at high intensity.

Download Full-text

Changes in sprint performance and sagittal plane kinematics after heavy resisted sprint training in professional soccer players

10.31236/osf.io/neh5m ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Johan Lahti ◽

Toni Huuhka ◽

Valentin Romero ◽

Ian N. Bezodis ◽

Jean-Benoit Morin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Plane ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Intervention Models ◽

Before And After ◽

Induced Changes ◽

Post Hoc

Sprint performance is an essential skill to target within soccer. However, time-consuming intervention models could be easily rejected by coaches. Therefore, alternative and efficient field training options are warranted. One such method could be heavy resisted sprint training. However, it is unknown whether such overload will be efficient in assisting increases in sprint performance in a professional setting, and whether violating kinematic specificity via heavy loading will lead to changes in unloaded sprinting kinematics. Thus, we investigated whether heavy resisted training affects sprint performance and sagittal plane kinematics. Training-induced changes in sprint FV-profiles were computed before and after the 9-week, 2 sessions x week protocol. Out of the two recruited teams (N = 32, age: 24.1 ± 5.0 years: height: 180 ± 10 cm; body-mass: 76.7 ± 7.7 kg), one was used as a control group continuing training as normal (CON, N = 13), while the experimental team was divided into two subgroups based on their initial sprint performance: 1) Heavy sled training with the 60% velocity drop (N = 10) and 2) 50% velocity drop load (N = 9). Both experimental groups improved significantly all 0-30-m split times (p < 0.05, d = -0.62 – -1.25), with post-hoc showing HS50% improving significantly compared to CON in 0-10-m split (d = 1.03) and Pmax (d = 1.16). No differences in sprinting kinematics were observed. With appropriate coaching, heavy sled training could be a pragmatic option to assist improvements in sprint performance without adverse changes in sprinting kinematics in professional soccer players.

Download Full-text

Determining the Optimal Workrate for Cycle Ergometer Verification Phase Testing in Males with Obesity

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9020030 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 30

Author(s):

Jenny M. Mahoney ◽

Brett R. Baughman ◽

Ailish C. Sheard ◽

Brandon J. Sawyer

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Young Adult ◽

Body Mass ◽

Critical Power ◽

Cycle Ergometer ◽

Adult Males ◽

Ramp Test ◽

Young Adult Males ◽

Main Effect ◽

Vo2max Test

The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of verification phase (VP) testing and a 3 min all-out test to determine critical power (CP) in males with obesity. Nine young adult males with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg·m−2 completed a cycle ergometer ramp-style VO2max test, four randomized VP tests at 80, 90, 100, and 105% of maximum wattage attained during the ramp test, and a 3 min all-out test. There was a significant main effect for VO2max across all five tests (p = 0.049). Individually, 8 of 9 participants attained a higher VO2max (L/min) during a VP test compared to the ramp test. A trend (p = 0.06) was observed for VO2max during the 90% VP test (3.61 ± 0.54 L/min) when compared to the ramp test (3.37 ± 0.39 L/min). A significantly higher VO2max (p = 0.016) was found in the VP tests that occurred below 130% of CP wattage (N = 15, VO2max = 3.76 ± 0.52 L/min) compared to those that were above (N = 21, VO2max = 3.36 ± 0.41 L/min). Our findings suggest submaximal VP tests at 90% may elicit the highest VO2max in males with obesity and there may be merit in using % of CP wattage to determine optimal VP intensity.

Download Full-text