| Resistance training is a common form of exercise in sport and activity. In track and field, a number of resistance training techniques exist to improve sprint performance. Sled, harness, parachute and weighted vest exercises are effective, but limitations exist. The wetsuit's on-land resistive qualities may improve sprint performance throughout multiple phases of sprinting and rid the limitations often found in conventional resisted sprinting techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare a wetsuit training method with a harness-pull technique and examine their effect on sprint performance in Division II collegiate track and field athletes.;A pre/posttest design was used with subjects divided into four separate training groups (Wetsuit, Harness, Wetsuit and Harness, and Un-resisted). Variable data was collected on sprint performance at 20, 40, and 60 meter check points and on stride length/stride frequency at different phases during a maximal effort 60 meter sprint. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested for significances between training groups. Although improvements occurred, no significant changes in sprint performance and sprint mechanics were observed. Statistical findings indicate training in a wetsuit, along with other conventional resisted sprinting techniques will not significantly improve sprint performance in track and field sprinters. |
