| Overspeed exercises are integrated into training programs to help athletes perform at speeds greater than they are accustomed. Overspeed methods such as towed sprinting have resulted in decreased sprint times. The purpose of the study was to examine different assisted sprint conditions on sprint times. Eighteen NCAA Division I Women soccer players completed three testing sessions consisting of 5-minute warm-up and randomized experimental conditions of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% body weight assistance (BWA). Subjects wore a belt attached to elastic cords under all BWA conditions. Subjects performed two maximal sprints under all conditions. Split times for each condition were used for analysis. A 1 x 5 ANOVA analyzed 20 yard sprint time by condition. There was significant main effect for condition. Post hoc comparisons revealed that as BWA loads increased sprint times decreased up to 30%. A 4 x 5 ANOVA (distance x condition) was used to analyze sprint times for every five-yard sprint. There was a significant interaction of condition x distance; therefore, we followed up with four 1 x 5 ANOVAs for each split distance. There was a main effect for condition for each split distance. Each distance resulted in a main effect. Post hoc comparisons revealed that as BWA loads increased sprint times tended to increase up to 30%. These results revealed 30% of BWA appears effective in decreasing acute sprint times in Division I woman soccer players from 0--15 yards. |
