The effects of training modalities on the acceleration phase of sprinting

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the effects of a 10-week sprint training program between different training modalities (inclined treadmill and Keiser Air 300 Runner) on the acceleration phase of running in young males between the ages of eight and 12 years. A secondary aim was to examine the difference in effects of a 10-week exercise intervention utilizing either the Air Runner or the inclined treadmill on power, and aerobic endurance. Male subjects (n=10) were recruited via flyers from local schools. Subjects (age, 10.1 +/- 1.37 years) were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of sprint training in either the inclined treadmill (IT) group, or the Air Runner (AR) group. No significant difference was found between groups for any of the collected variables, 10 m sprint times, 20 m sprint times, vertical leap measurement, and PACER predicted VO2max. No significant time interaction was observed for any of the collected variables. All subjects, regardless of group assignment, significantly increased vertical leap (5.46 cm mean increase pre-training to post-training; p<.001). PACER predicted VO2max improved (1.45 ml/kg/min pre-training post-training; p<.001) for all subjects ignoring group. The results from this study showed the AR had similar outcomes as treadmill training; however, the cost of the machine is significantly less than the cost of a high-speed treadmill. On average, the cost of the AR is roughly 1/3 the cost of a high-speed treadmill. The significant cost differential could allow a facility to train more than a single athlete by purchasing multiple ARs as opposed to a single high-speed treadmill. While further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the AR as a modality for improving sprint performance, the results of this study indicate that the AR is just as effective as the IT in training young males.