Physical performance differences between weight-trained sprinters and weight trainers

Anthony John Blazevich, David Jenkins

The present study tested and compared well-trained athletes who were performing low-velocity, high-force resistance training and sprint running training (ST) when recruited, with subjects who were performing low-velocity, high-force resistance training but not sprint training (NST) when recruited. Eleven male sprint runners (mean +/- SD; age = 19.0 +/- 1.4 yr: height = 182.0 +/- 4.7 cm: mass = 75.7 +/- 4.7 kg), and eight male weight-trained athletes who were not currently performing sprint training, or any other additional training, (mean + SD; age = 21.5 +/- 1.8 yr: height = 184.5 +/- 3.6 cm: mass = 78.4 +/- 4.6 kg) participated in the study; all subjects had a minimum of two years resistance training experience. Tests included 1. running speed (20 m time after a 50 m acceleration distance and 20 m acceleration time from a stationary start), 2. isokinetic hip flexor/extensor torque (and torque adjusted for body mass), angle of peak torque, time to reach peak torque and torque acceleration energy at low (1.05 rad x s(-1) [60 degrees x s(-1)), moderate (4.74 rad x s(-1) [270 degrees x s(-1)) and high (8.42 rad x s(-1) [480 degrees x s(-1)) speeds and 3. maximum squat lift. ST subjects produced more isokinetic hip extensor torque when adjusted for body mass at 4.74 rad x s(-1) (270 degrees x s(-1); p<0.05) and reached their peak torque faster (p<0.05). ST subjects also produced more hip flexor torque at 8.42 rad x s(-1) (480 degrees x s(-1); p<0.05), and torque per body mass at 4.74 rad x s(-1) (270 degrees x s(-1)) and 8.42 rad x s(-1) (480 degrees x s(-1); p<0.05) and reached peak flexor torque faster than NST subjects (4.74 rad x s(-1) [270 degrees x s(-1)], p<0.05; 8.42 rad x s(-1) [480 degrees x s(-1), p<0.01). Further, ST subjects performed better in tests of running acceleration over 20 m (p<0.02) and achieved a higher maximum running velocity after a 50 m acceleration distance (p<0.001). No significant differences were found in isokinetic strength at low (1.05 rad x s(-1) [60 degrees x s(-1)) velocities or in maximal squat lift strength. The results of the present study suggest that athletes who perform low-velocity, high force training concurrently with high-velocity training are superior in tests of isokinetic strength at high velocities when compared to athletes who only perform low-velocity, high force training. This may be due to training or genetic factors.