The effect of different resistance and assistance loads on 30-m sprint kinematics

Abstract

Resisted sprint and assisted sprint are the two main types of training methods used by athletes in sprint training, so optimizing resisted sprint training and assisted sprint training process is beneficial for improving athletes’ sprint performance. Kinematics is the most intuitive parameter that reflects the quality of training during running process, and it is particularly important to analyze the gait of athletes during resisted and assisted sprint process. Therefore, this paper investigates the effects of resisted and assisted sprint on the sprint kinematics of sprinters in the first 30 meters to demonstrate the targeted effects of resisted and assisted sprint training. The experimental results show that compared to the unloaded running, male collegiate sprinters increase their total step count, decrease their step length, increase their step time, increase their contact time, whereas have almost no change in the flight time when performing the 30-m resisted sprint. Male collegiate sprinters decrease their total step count, increase their step length, increase their step time, decrease their contact time and increase their flight time, when performing the 30-m assisted sprint. In addition, it is found that resisted sprint training is beneficial for improving the athletes’ power and explosiveness during the acceleration phase, thereby improving acceleration ability. However, prolonged and frequent resisted sprint training may reduce the step length and step frequency of athletes. Assisted sprint training is beneficial for shortening the contact time of athletes, improving their step length and flight time, and enabling them to overspeed, thereby increasing their maximum speed ability.