Resisted Sprint Training Shown to be No More Effective Than Non-Resisted Sprint Training

Researchers from Australia found that a performance enhancement program comprised of resisted sprint training had no more effect on acceleration performance than a non-resisted sprint training program.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resisted sprint (RS) training (weight sled towing) on acceleration performance (0-15m), leg power (counter-movement jump), 5 bound test (5BT), 50cm drop jump (50DJ), and gait kinematics (running form). Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: a) 8-week sprint training consisting of resisted sprint training (RS), b) 8-week non-resisted sprint training group (NRS), or c) control group. The results indicated that an 8-week RS training program improved acceleration and leg power performance but was no more effective than an 8-week NRS training program.

Resisted sprint training in the form of weighted sled towing is believed to increase lower-limb strength; however, there are concerns that this training modality may not transfer to acceleration performance due to negative influences on acceleration kinematics. This study showed only minor influences on acceleration kinematics and gait, while demonstrating improvements in lower body power, but no more effectively than a NRS training program.

Spinks C, Murphy A, Spinks W, Lockie R. (2007). The effects of resisted sprint training on acceleration performance in soccer, rugby union, and australian football players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(1): 77-85.