HIGH-REPETITION STRENGTH AND SPRINT TRAINING INCREASES MUSCULAR ENDURANCE BUT NOT SPEED

Newberry, J. E., & Flowers, L. (1999). Effectiveness of combining sprint and high-repetition squat resistance training in anaerobic conditioning. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1384.

Three groups of 12 males underwent different training regimens: sprint training alone (12 x 40-yd, 25-second rest, three days per week), sprint training plus strength training (5 x 12 repetitions of 50% 1-RM, two days per week), and no training (control).

Both training groups were significantly better than the no training group. The resistance-training group displayed a significantly higher percentage of maximal velocity than the sprint-only group. There were no significant differences between groups in sprint speed.

Implication. High-repetition strength training added to sprint training, increases muscular endurance, but not speed. This form of training would be best suited to activities that require repetitious sprint activities.

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