Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Resisted Sled Sprint Training to Improve Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review

  • Systematic Review
  • Published:
Sports Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Based on recent findings regarding the mechanical determinants of sprint performance, resisted sled sprint (RSS) training may provide an effective tool for the improvement of sprint acceleration and maximal velocity. However, the volume and intensity for effective RSS training in different populations is unclear.

Objectives

The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of RSS training compared with unresisted sprint (URS) training, and the differential effects of sled load on RSS training outcomes.

Data Sources: Study Eligibility and Appraisal

A systematic review was performed primarily using PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases. Peer-reviewed studies were accepted only if the participants used a sled towing device for a longitudinal intervention of resisted sprint training, and if RSS training was the primary difference in training intervention between groups. Effect size (ES) reported using Cohen’s d was presented to compare the magnitude of effect between both dependent and independent groups.

Results

A total of 11 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Sled loads were prescribed either as a percentage of body mass (%BM), a targeted reduction in velocity compared with unresisted sprint velocity (%V dec) or as an absolute load (kg). RSS training with ‘light’ (<10 %BM or <10 %V dec) loads provide ‘small’ decrements in acceleration (−1.5 %, ES = 0.50) to ‘moderate’ improvements in maximal sprint velocity (2.4 %, ES = 0.80) in sprint-trained individuals. ‘Moderate’ (10–19.9 %BM or 10–14.9 %V dec) to ‘very heavy’ (>30 %BM or >30 %V dec) sled loads provide ‘trivial’ to ‘extremely large’ improvements in acceleration performance (0.5–9.1 %, ES = 0.14–4.00) in strength-trained or team sport individuals. Whether RSS training is more effective than URS training in the improvement of acceleration or maximal sprint velocity remains equivocal.

Conclusions

RSS training is a novel training method with potential for the improvement of sprint performance, but its performance benefits over URS training remain to be conclusively demonstrated. Between-study comparisons are limited primarily by discrepancies in the training status and phase of the participants, and sled load prescription. Future work is required to define the optimal load and volume for RSS depending on the specific components of sprint performance to be enhanced.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Delecluse C. Influence of strength training on sprint running performance: current findings and implications for training. Sports Med. 1997;24(3):147–56.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Spencer M, Lawrence S, Rechichi C, et al. Time–motion analysis of elite field hockey, with special reference to repeated-sprint activity. J Sports Sci. 2004;22(9):843–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Little T, Williams AG. Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(1):76–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Brechue WF, Mayhew JL, Piper FC. Characteristics of sprint performance in college football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(5):1169–78.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Gabbett TJ. GPS analysis of elite women’s field hockey training and competition. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(5):1321–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Wisbey B, Montgomery PG, Pyne DB, et al. Quantifying movement demands of AFL football using GPS tracking. J Sci Med Sport. 2010;13(5):531–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Gabbett TJ, Jenkins DG, Abernethy B. Physical demands of professional rugby league training and competition using microtechnology. J Sci Med Sport. 2012;15(1):80–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Cissik JM. Means and methods of speed training, part I. Strength Cond J. 2004;26(4):24–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Seitz LB, Reyes A, Tran TT, et al. Increases in lower-body strength transfer positively to sprint performance: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2014;44(12):1693–702.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Delecluse C, Van Coppenolle H, Willems E, et al. Influence of high-resistance and high-velocity training on sprint performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;27(8):1203–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. McBride JM, Triplett-McBride T, Davie A, et al. The effect of heavy- vs. light-load jump squats on the development of strength, power, and speed. J Strength Cond Res. 2002;16(1):75–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. de Villarreal ES, Requena B, Cronin JB. The effects of plyometric training on sprint performance: a meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(2):575–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Lyttle AD, Wilson GJ, Ostrowski KJ. Enhancing performance: maximal power versus combined weights and plyometrics training. J Strength Cond Res. 1996;10(3):173–9.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Harris GR, Stone MH, O’Bryant HS, et al. Short-term performance effects of high power, high force, or combined weight-training methods. J Strength Cond Res. 2000;14(1):14–20.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Kotzamanidis C, Chatzopoulos D, Michailidis C, et al. The effect of a combined high-intensity strength and speed training program on the running and jumping ability of soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(2):369–75.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Ronnestad BR, Kvamme NH, Sunde A, et al. Short-term effects of strength and plyometric training on sprint and jump performance in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(3):773–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Jacobson BH, Conchola EG, Glass R, et al. Longitudinal morphological and profiles for American, NCAA Division I football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(9):2347–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Young WB. Transfer of strength and power training to sports performance. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2006;1(2):74–83.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Hunter JP, Marshall RN, McNair P. Relationships between ground reaction force impulse and kinematics of sprint-running acceleration. J Appl Biomech. 2005;21(1):31–43.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Morin JB, Edouard P, Samozino P. Technical ability of force application as a determinant factor of sprint performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(9):1680–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Morin JB, Bourdin M, Edouard P, et al. Mechanical determinants of 100-m sprint running performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(11):3921–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Rabita G, Dorel S, Slawinski J, et al. Sprint mechanics in world-class athletes: a new insight into the limits of human locomotion. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015;. doi:10.1111/sms.12389.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Kugler F, Janshen L. Body position determines propulsive forces in accelerated running. J Biomech. 2010;43(2):343–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Buchheit M, Samozino P, Glynn JA, et al. Mechanical determinants of acceleration and maximal sprinting speed in highly trained young soccer players. J Sports Sci. 2014;32(20):1906–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Otsuka M, Shim JK, Kurihara T, et al. Effect of expertise on 3D force application during the starting block phase and subsequent steps in sprint running. J Appl Biomech. 2014;30(3):390–400.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Weyand PG, Sternlight DB, Bellizzi MJ, et al. Faster top running speeds are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movements. J Appl Physiol. 2000;89(5):1991–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Weyand PG, Bundle MW, McGowan CP, et al. The fastest runner on artificial legs: different limbs, similar function? J Appl Physiol. 2009;107(3):903–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Kawamori N, Newton RU, Hori N, et al. Effects of weighted sled towing with heavy versus light load on sprint acceleration ability. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(10):2738–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Cottle CA, Carlson LA, Lawrence MA. Effects of sled towing on sprint starts. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(5):1241–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Cronin J, Hansen K, Kawamori N, et al. Effects of weighted vests and sled towing on sprint kinematics. Sport Biomech. 2008;7(2):160–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Kawamori N, Newton R, Nosaka K. Effects of weighted sled towing on ground reaction force during the acceleration phase of sprint running. J Sports Sci. 2014;32(12):1139–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Lockie RG, Murphy AJ, Spinks CD. Effects of resisted sled towing on sprint kinematics in field-sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2003;17(4):760–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Martínez-Valencia MA, Romero-Arenas S, Elvira JL, et al. Effects of sled towing on peak force, the rate of force development and sprint performance during the acceleration phase. J Hum Kinet. 2015;46(1):139–48.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Maulder PS, Bradshaw EJ, Keogh JW. Kinematic alterations due to different loading schemes in early acceleration sprint performance from starting blocks. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(6):1992–2002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Murray A, Aitchison TC, Ross G, et al. The effect of towing a range of relative resistances on sprint performance. J Sports Sci. 2005;23(9):927–35.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Okkonen O, Hakkinen K. Biomechanical comparison between sprint start, sled pulling, and selected squat-type exercises. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(10):2662–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Agar-Newman DJ, Klimstra MD. Efficacy of horizontal jumping tasks as a method for talent identification of female rugby players. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29(3):737–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Alcaraz PE, Palao JM, Elvira JL, et al. Effects of three types of resisted sprint training devices on the kinematics of sprinting at maximum velocity. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(3):890–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Los Arcos A, Yanci J, Mendiguchia J, et al. Short-term training effects of vertically and horizontally oriented exercises on neuromuscular performance in professional soccer players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013;9(3):480–8.

  40. Alcaraz PE, Palao JM, Elvira JL. Determining the optimal load for resisted sprint training with sled towing. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23(2):480–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Cissik JM. Means and methods of speed training: part II. Strength Cond J. 2005;27(1):18–25.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Behrens MJ, Simonson SR. A comparison of the various methods used to enhance sprint speed. Strength Cond J. 2011;33(2):64–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, et al. Research methods and reporting-preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Br Med J. 2009;338(7716):332.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Cohen J. Statistical analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd ed. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Thalheimer W, Cook S. How to calculate effect sizes from published research: a simplified methodology. http://work-learning.com/effect_sizes.htm. Retrieved 2 Jan 2015.

  46. Luteberget LS, Raastad T, Seynnes O, Seynnes M. Effect of traditional and resisted sprint training in highly-trained, female team handball players. Int J Sports Physiol Perf. 2015;10(5):642–7. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2014-0276.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Hopkins WG. Linear models and effect magnitudes for research, clinical and practical applications. Sportscience. 2010;14:49–58.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Zafeiridis A, Saraslanidis P, Manou V, et al. The effects of resisted sled-pulling sprint training on acceleration and maximum speed performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2005;45(3):284–90.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Spinks CD, Murphy AJ, Spinks WL, et al. The effects of resisted sprint training on acceleration performance and kinematics in soccer, rugby union, and Australian football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2007;21(1):77–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Harrison AJ, Bourke G. The effect of resisted sprint training on speed and strength performance in male rugby players. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23(1):275–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Clark KP, Stearne DJ, Walts CT, et al. The longitudinal effects of resisted sprint training using weighted sleds vs. weighted vests. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(12):3287–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Lockie RG, Murphy AJ, Schultz AB, et al. The effects of different speed training protocols on sprint acceleration kinematics and muscle strength and power in field sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(6):1539–50.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Makaruk B, Sozanski H, Makaruk H, et al. The effects of resisted sprint training on speed performance in women. Hum Mov. 2013;14(2):116–22.

    Google Scholar 

  54. West DJ, Cunningham DJ, Bracken RM, et al. Effects of resisted sprint training on acceleration in professional rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(4):1014–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Alcaraz PE, Elvira JLL, Palao JM. Kinematic, strength, and stiffness adaptations after a short- term sled towing training in athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2014;24(2):279–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Bachero-Mena B, Gonzalez-Badillo JJ. Effects of resisted sprint training on acceleration with three different loads accounting for 5, 12.5 and 20% of body mass. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(10):2954–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Mackala K. Optimisation of performance through kinematic analysis of the different phases of the 100 metres. New Stud Athl. 2007;22(2):7.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Martinez-Valencia M, Linthorne N, Alcaraz P. Effect of lower body explosive power on sprint time in a sled-towing exercise. Sci Sports. 2013;28(6):e175–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Martinez-Valencia MA, Gonzalez-Rave JM, Santos-Garcia DJ, et al. Interrelationships between different loads in resisted sprints, half-squat 1 RM and kinematic variables in trained athletes. Eur J Sport Sci. 2014;14(Suppl 1):S18–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Linthorne NP, Cooper JE. Effect of the coefficient of friction of a running surface on sprint time in a sled-towing exercise. Sports Biomech. 2013;12(2):175–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Linthorne NP. A mathematical modelling study of an athlete’s sprint time when towing a weighted sled. Sports Eng. 2013;16(2):61–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Lawrence M, Hartigan E, Tu CH. Lower limb moments differ when towing a weighted sled with different attachment points. Sports Biomech. 2013;12(2):186–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Hunter JP, Marshall RN, McNair PJ. Interaction of step length and step rate during sprint running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;36(2):261–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Hopewell S, Loudon K, Clarke MJ, et al. Publication bias in clinical trials due to statistical significance or direction of trial results. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;1(1). doi:10.1002/14651858.MR000006.pub3.

  65. Caldwell BP, Peters DM. Seasonal variation in physiological fitness of a semiprofessional soccer team. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23(5):1370–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Duthie GM. A framework for the physical development of elite rugby union players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2006;1(1):2–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Cormie P, McBride JM, McCaulley GO. Power-time, force-time, and velocity-time curve analysis of the countermovement jump: impact of training. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23(1):177–86.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Blazevich AJ, Jenkins DG. Effect of the movement speed of resistance training exercises on sprint and strength performance in concurrently training elite junior sprinters. J Sports Sci. 2002;20(12):981–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Mann R, Herman J. Kinematic analysis of Olympic sprint performance: men’s 200 meters. Int J Sports Biomech. 1985;1(15):151–62.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Young W, McLean B, Ardagna J. Relationship between strength qualities and sprinting performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1995;35:13–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Young W. Laboratory strength assessment of athletes. New Stud Athl. 1995;10:89–96.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Murphy AJ, Lockie RG, Coutts AJ. Kinematic determinants of early acceleration in field sport athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2003;2(4):144–50.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Debaere S, Delecluse C, Aerenhouts D, et al. From block clearance to sprint running: characteristics underlying an effective transition. J Sports Sci. 2013;31(2):137–49.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. McBride JM, Nimphius S, Erickson TM. The acute effects of heavy-load squats and loaded countermovement jumps on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(4):893–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Yetter M, Moir GL. The acute effects of heavy back and front squats on speed during forty-meter sprint trials. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(1):159–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Byrne PJ, Kenny J, O’Rourke B. Acute potentiating effect of depth jumps on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(3):610–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Smith CE, Hannon JC, McGladrey B, et al. The effects of a postactivation potentiation warm-up on subsequent sprint performance. Hum Mov. 2014;15(1):36–44.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Whelan N, O’Regan C, Harrison AJ. Resisted sprints do not acutely enhance sprinting performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(7):1858–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Wilson JM, Duncan NM, Marin PJ, et al. Meta-analysis of postactivation potentiation and power: effects of conditioning activity, volume, gender, rest periods, and training status. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(3):854–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Hermassi S, Chelly MS, Tabka Z, et al. Effects of 8-week in-season upper and lower limb heavy resistance training on the peak power, throwing velocity, and sprint performance of elite male handball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25(9):2424–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Kawamori N, Nosaka K, Newton RU. Relationships between ground reaction impulse and sprint acceleration performance in team sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(3):568–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Jones K, Bishop P, Hunter G, et al. The effects of varying resistance-training loads on intermediate- and high-velocity-specific adaptations. J Strength Cond Res. 2001;15(3):349–56.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the role of the anonymous reviewers for this article whose comments and suggestions improved the balance and breadth of the final manuscript. The authors appreciate the correspondence from authors of papers within this review who provided further data for calculations of effect size as reported within the text and tables.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Sport and Health, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

    George Petrakos & Brendan Egan

  2. Laboratory of Human Motricity, Education Sport and Health (EA6312), University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France

    Jean-Benoit Morin

Authors
  1. George Petrakos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jean-Benoit Morin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Brendan Egan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to George Petrakos.

Ethics declarations

Funding

No funding was received in support of this work.

Conflict of interest

George Petrakos, Jean-Benoit Morin and Brendan Egan declare that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this review.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Petrakos, G., Morin, JB. & Egan, B. Resisted Sled Sprint Training to Improve Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 46, 381–400 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0422-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0422-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation