Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether Olympic
weightlifting (OW) exercises would improve sprint performance when compared to a
control intervention, (no training, standard sport-specific training,
traditional resistance training, or plyometric training). Medline, Web of
Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL, and Biological Science from inception to September
2022 was searched. Two authors independently selected the included studies,
extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias. Certainty of the evidence was
assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and
Evaluation methodology. The primary meta-analysis combined the results of the
sprint performance over the full length of each sprint test. The secondary
meta-analyses combined the results of the sprint performance at 5, 10, and
20 m distance to capture information about the acceleration phase of the
sprint tests. Eight studies with 206 athletes (female n=10, age range:
18.9–24.2 years) were identified. Sprint performance did not differ
significantly comparing OW to the control intervention, nor at the full length
(standardized mean difference=–0.07, 95%
CI=–0.47 to 0.34, p=0.75,
I2=46%) or during the acceleration phase
(p≥0.26) of the sprint test. OW training does not improve sprint
performance to a greater extent than comparator interventions.
Key words
olympic weightlifting - sprint - athletes - training
