Abstract
M.Phil. (Sport & Movement Studies)
Resistance training (RT) is an essential element of fitness for most sports. Most athletic activities
involve faster and more powerful movements than those found in maximal strength exercises.
Thus athletes could be exceptionally strong but lack explosive power.
The aim of the study was to determine the possible effect of two different RT programmes on the
sprinting performance of men aged 18–25. Body composition was assessed via anthropometrical
measurements and lower extremity power was assessed via vertical jump and the Margaria
Kalamen Power Test. Speed and acceleration will be assessed via a 40 meter, 60 meter, 80 meter
and 100 meter sprint tests.
Thirty athletes were randomly divided into three groups (two experimental groups n=10 each and
a control group n=10). Two different RT programmes (“General”, G and “Specialised”, SP) were
applied for eight weeks in the two experimental groups, while the control group (C) had no form
of strength training. Both training programmes included two sessions per week, each lasting 60
minutes.
Components that were tested included anthropometrical, body composition, lower extremity
strength and 1RM measurements in regards to their 40m, 60m, 80m and 100m sprint time.
Significant difference between SP, GP and C, at a P-value of 0.05, was determined by a
dependant t-test. An independent t-test was used to determine significant difference between the
three groups.
The results showed that there was a significant improvement on body fat (BF) % in SP (-1.71 ±
0.21), GP (-0.19 ± 0.57) and muscle mass (MM) % in SP (1.88 ± 3.23). There was a significant
difference in explosive power (MK) for the specialised group (p=0.013) and the 60m sprint for
the specialised group (p=0.047). One repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (p=0.005 SP and
GP), 1RM deadlift (p=0.005 SP), 1RM power clean (p=0.005 SP) and 1RM squat (p=0.005 GP)
improved in the relevant groups as indicated. There was a significant difference between the
groups completing a 60m sprint (p=0.022), 80m sprint (p=0.057), 100m sprint (p=0.025) and
1RM bench strength test (p=0.007) at post-test. Positive correlations were found between MM%
on 60m (p=0.021), 80m (p=0.01) and 100m (p=0.019) sprinting times and MK and 40m
(p=0.015) sprinting time.