Richard Bolger

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to explore expert coaches’ perceptions of resistance-based training for sprinting. This research posed three broad questions: i) What resistance exercises are being performed by competitive sprinters? ii) Why coaches have selected these exercises over others? iii) How athletics coaches control and implement their use in training? Participants for the study comprised of seven expert track and field sprint coaches. Findings indicated that the coaches used a variety of resistance-based training including variations of the squat, Olympic weightlifting movements and deadlift, along with resisted running in the form of weighted jackets, hill running and weighted sleds. They also used plyometric variations of bounding and specific drills. Particular emphasis was drawn towards variations of the squat and how exercises transferred from the weights room to the track. All coaches changed exercises to complement the focus from off-season to in-season. The main finding of this study relates to the current dearth of research to support evidence based resistance exercise prescription for sprinters.
Key Words: Coaches, Perceptions, Weight Training, Resistance-based Training, Sprinting, Track and Field Athletics.

The purpose of this systematic review was to search the scientific literature for original research, addressing the effects different forms of resistance-based training have on sprinting performance in competitive sprinters. Specific key words (Sprinters OR Sprint) NOT (Rugby, Soccer, Cycling, Swimming, Paralympic, Nutrition) were used to search relevant databases through November 2013 for related literature. Original research was reviewed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Five studies met the inclusion criteria: actively competitive adult male sprinters who participated in a resistance-based intervention (>4 weeks), with outcome measures in the form of 10-100 m sprint times. Exclusion criteria included acute studies (<4 weeks), non-sprinting populations and studies with no performance outcome measures (10-100 m sprint times). Three of the five studies employed both locomotor resistance and fixed plane resistance, whereas the remaining two studies used more fixed plane resistance e.g. squat and leg extension. Three of the studies showed a statistical improvement in sprinting performance measures e.g. a decrease in 30 m sprint time (p = 0.044), whereas one study showed a decrease in sprinting performance. The analysis concluded that resistance-based training has a positive effect on sprinting performance. Varied input of locomotor resistance and fixed plane resistance has resulted in similar percentage change for sprinting performance. This review adds to the body of knowledge by strongly highlighting the dearth of literature exploring the effects of resistance-based training on sprinting performance in competitive sprinters. The short duration and wide range of exercises implemented in studies to date are of concern, but coaches should not hesitate to implement well-planned resistance programs for their sprint athletes.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this systematic review was to search the scientific literature for original research, addressing the effects different forms of resistance-based training have on sprinting performance in competitive sprinters. Specific key words (Sprinters OR Sprint) NOT (Rugby, Soccer, Cycling, Swimming, Paralympic, Nutrition) were used to search relevant databases through November 2013 for related literature. Original research was reviewed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Five studies met the inclusion criteria: actively competitive adult male sprinters who participated in a resistance-based intervention (>4 weeks), with outcome measures in the form of 10-100 m sprint times. Exclusion criteria included acute studies (<4 weeks), non-sprinting populations and studies with no performance outcome measures (10-100 m sprint times). Three of the five studies employed both locomotor resistance and fixed plane resistance, whereas the remaining two studies used more fixed plane resistance e.g. squat and leg extension. Three of the studies showed a statistical improvement in sprinting performance measures e.g. a decrease in 30 m sprint time (p = 0.044), whereas one study showed a decrease in sprinting performance. The analysis concluded that resistance-based training has a positive effect on sprinting performance. Varied input of locomotor resistance and fixed plane resistance has resulted in similar percentage change for sprinting performance. This review adds to the body of knowledge by strongly highlighting the dearth of literature exploring the effects of resistance-based training on sprinting performance in competitive sprinters. The short duration and wide range of exercises implemented in studies to date are of concern, but coaches should not hesitate to implement well-planned resistance programs for their sprint athletes.