DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL LOAD FOR RESISTED SPRINT TRAINING WITH SLED TOWING. A PILOT STUDY.

Abstract

An excessive load in resisted sprint training can produce changes in running patterns. Load control is essential to ensure specificity of these training methods. The most common way to control is the percentage of speed lost in relation to maximum speed. The aim of the study was establishing the load for sprint training with sled towing in the maximum velocity phase. 12 athletes, Spanish national level, participated in the study. They run 30 m flying sprints, an unloaded sprint and sprints pulling loads of 6%, 10%, and 15% of their body mass, on a synthetic track surface wearing spikes. The regression equation obtained was: % Body mass = (-0.8325 · % velocity) + 84.08. This equation is specific for the type of surface used and the sled towing characteristics. Therefore, when using different surfaces and sled towings, specific equations should be calculated.