Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(10): 789-795
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1547284
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Strength, Sprint Running, and Combined Strength and Sprint Running Training on Short Sprint Performance in Young Adults

M. C. Marques
1  Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
2  Research Centre for Sport, Health and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal
,
T. J. Gabbett
3  School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
4  School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
,
D. A. Marinho
1  Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
2  Research Centre for Sport, Health and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal
,
A. J. Blazevich
5  Center for Exercise and Sports Science Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
,
A. Sousa
1  Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
,
R. van den Tillaar
6  Nord Trøndelag University College, Levanger, Norway
,
M. Izquierdo
7  Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 10 February 2015

Publication Date:
06 May 2015 (eFirst)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of transference of 6 weeks of full squat vs. full squat plus sprint running training to short (ranged from 0–10 to 0–30 m) sprint running performance in non-athletes. We hypothesized that a speed-full-squat training regimen could enhance squat strength and power with simultaneous improvements in short sprint performance. 122 physically active adults (age: 20.5±2.5 years; body mass: 65.8±6.1 kg; height: 1.71±0.08 m) were randomly divided into 4 groups: full squat training (n=36), combined full squat and sprint training (n=32), speed training only (n=34) and non-training control group (n=20). Each training group completed 2 sessions per week over 6 weeks, while the control group performed only their normal physical activity. Sprint performance was improved after sprint running or full squat training alone (1.7% and 1.8% P<0.05, respectively), however larger enhancements (2.3%; P<0.01) were observed after the combined full squat plus sprint training intervention. These results suggest that in recreationally active adults, combined full squat and sprint training provides a greater stimulus for improving sprint performance than either modality alone.

Key words

velocity - sprint - full-squat - transfer - combined training