Key Takeaway
Resisted sled sprint training improves acceleration performance, with heavier loads (10%+ body mass) producing the largest gains in strength-trained and team sport athletes
Summary
This systematic review examined eleven peer-reviewed studies on resisted sled sprint (RSS) training to determine its effectiveness for improving sprint acceleration and maximal velocity. The authors searched PubMed and SPORTDiscus for longitudinal interventions using sled towing devices and calculated effect sizes using Cohen's d.
The review found that load magnitude matters considerably. Light loads below 10% body mass produced small decrements in acceleration (-1.5%) but moderate improvements in maximal velocity (2.4%) among sprint-trained individuals. Moderate to very heavy loads (10%+ body mass) generated much larger acceleration improvements ranging from 0.5% to 9.1% in strength-trained or team sport athletes.
However, whether RSS training is truly superior to conventional unresisted sprint training remains equivocal based on the available evidence. The authors concluded that future research needs to better define optimal loading parameters based on specific performance goals and athlete populations.
Methods
- Systematic search of PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases
- Included peer-reviewed studies with longitudinal sled towing interventions
- Eleven studies met eligibility criteria
- Effect sizes calculated using Cohen's d
- Results stratified by load magnitude (light vs moderate-heavy) and population type
Key Results
- Light loads (<10% BM): small acceleration decrements (-1.5%), moderate maximal velocity improvements (2.4%) in sprint-trained athletes
- Moderate to very heavy loads (10%+ BM): trivial to extremely large acceleration improvements (0.5-9.1%) in strength-trained/team sport athletes
- Superiority of RSS over unresisted sprint training remains equivocal
- Heavier loads appear more effective for acceleration-focused goals
Limitations
- Small number of eligible studies (n=11)
- Heterogeneity in study designs, populations, and loading protocols
- Most studies used relatively short intervention periods
- Cannot definitively establish superiority over unresisted sprint training
- Limited data on female athletes and youth populations