CHANGES IN ACCELERATION PHASE SPRINT BtOMECHANlCS WITH LOWER BODY WEARABLE RESISTANCE

Abstract

Wearable resistance (WR) attached to the lower body may be advantageous for sprint acceleration training. The aim of this study was to quantify the kinematic and kinetic changes that occur during the sprint acceleration phase when lower body WR is worn. Radar and Optojump were used to assess fifteen male rugby athletes sprinting over 20 m under three different loading conditions: 0%, 3% and 5% body mass added weight (AW) attached to the lower body. Moderately loaded WR (3% AW) resulted in higher horizontal force and horizontal power outputs compared to heavier loading during the acceleration phase. Sprint acceleration biomechanics were minimally affected by WR loading up to 5% AW.