Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2006):

Velocity specificity in early-phase sprint training.

Full Abstract

A comparison of resistance running, normal sprint running, and supramaximal running was performed. Nineteen young, generally well-trained subjects were divided into 3 training groups: resistance, normal, and supramaximal groups. Resistance and supramaximal training was done using a towing device, providing extra resistance or propulsion forces, resulting in running speed differences of about 3.3% (supramaximal) and 8.5% (resistance), compared to normal sprinting. The training period was 6 weeks, with 3 training sessions per week (5 sprint-runs over 22 m). Running times were measured using photocells, and average step length and cadence were recorded by digital video. A small (0.5%) but significant (p < 0.05) overall pre-post difference was found in running velocity, but the 3 groups changed differently over the running conditions. All individual subjects improved sprinting velocity most on the trained form, at 1-2% (p < 0.001), and thus, the principle of velocity specificity in sprint training was supported. This indicates that to obtain short-distance sprinting improvement in a short period of time, one may prefer normal sprinting over other training forms.

Author information

Author/s: Kristensen, Geir Olav (GO); van den Tillaar, Roland (R); Ettema, Gertjan J C (GJ);

Affiliation: Human Movement Sciences Programme, SVT, NTNU, Norway.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association (J Strength Cond Res), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Nov; vol 20 (issue 4) : pp 833-7

Dates: Created 2006/12/29; Completed 2007/01/30;

PMID: 17194234, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adult Analysis of Variance Biomechanics Female Humans

Humans Male Physical Education and Training - methods Physical Endurance - physiology Running - physiology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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