Effect of two different resistant training programs on the sprinting performance of men aged 18 to 25

M.Phil. (Sport & Movement Studies)Resistance training (RT) is an essential element of fitness for most sports. Most athletic activities involve faster and more powerful movements than those found in maximal strength exercises. Thus athletes could be exceptionally strong but lack explosive power. The aim of the study was to determine the possible effect of two different RT programmes on the sprinting performance of men aged 18–25. Body composition was assessed via anthropometrical measurements and lower extremity power was assessed via vertical jump and the Margaria Kalamen Power Test. Speed and acceleration will be assessed via a 40 meter, 60 meter, 80 meter and 100 meter sprint tests. Thirty athletes were randomly divided into three groups (two experimental groups n=10 each and a control group n=10). Two different RT programmes (“General”, G and “Specialised”, SP) were applied for eight weeks in the two experimental groups, while the control group (C) had no form of strength training. Both training programmes included two sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Components that were tested included anthropometrical, body composition, lower extremity strength and 1RM measurements in regards to their 40m, 60m, 80m and 100m sprint time. Significant difference between SP, GP and C, at a P-value of 0.05, was determined by a dependant t-test. An independent t-test was used to determine significant difference between the three groups. The results showed that there was a significant improvement on body fat (BF) % in SP (-1.71 ± 0.21), GP (-0.19 ± 0.57) and muscle mass (MM) % in SP (1.88 ± 3.23). There was a significant difference in explosive power (MK) for the specialised group (p=0.013) and the 60m sprint for the specialised group (p=0.047). One repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (p=0.005 SP and GP), 1RM deadlift (p=0.005 SP), 1RM power clean (p=0.005 SP) and 1RM squat (p=0.005 GP) improved in the relevant groups as indicated. There was a significant difference between the groups completing a 60m sprint (p=0.022), 80m sprint (p=0.057), 100m sprint (p=0.025) and 1RM bench strength test (p=0.007) at post-test. Positive correlations were found between MM% on 60m (p=0.021), 80m (p=0.01) and 100m (p=0.019) sprinting times and MK and 40m (p=0.015) sprinting time