Effects of Low Versus High-speed Strength Training on Performance Variables in High School Athletes

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Publication Title

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Supplemental

DOI

10.1249/01.MSS.0000385136.75613.19

ISSN

1530-0315

Abstract

The principle of training specificity coupled with the results of studies on morphological effects of high-speed strength training have lead sports specialists to conclude this type of training to be preferential for performance in which muscular power is critical. However, research projects on this topic have not been conclusive.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of low-speed versus high-speed strength training on four performance variables in high school athletes.

METHODS: Forty-nine high school athletes were assigned to either a low-speed (LS, n=24, 71.3±12.0kg, 1.78±.08m) or high-speed (HS, n=25, 69.0±21.8kg, 1.73±.07m) strength training group. Subjects completed 12 weeks of thrice-weekly training by performing either the bench press, squat and deadlift (low-speed), or the clean-and-jerk and the snatch (high-speed). Intensity, based on percentage of 1RM, and volume were controlled and equivalent between groups for each training session. Subjects were tested on vertical jump (VJ), T-test (T), 40-yard sprint (S), and 1RM push-press (PP) before and after the 12-week regimen. Separate group by time repeated measures analysis of variance were conducted on each dependent variable.

RESULTS: There were no significant S differences (P>.05). VJ significantly (P<.001) improved across both groups (95% CIDiff=-7.53 to -4.19cm). Significant interactions were revealed for both PP (P=.001) and T (P<.001). Although both groups significantly improved PP, the HS group's improvement (95% CIDiff=-12.9 to -7.5kg) was significantly greater (P=.001) than the LS group's improvement (95% CIDiff=-6.1 to 1.1kg). The HS group significantly improved T across time (95% CIDiff=.620 to1.16s) whereas the LS posttest time was significantly slower (95% CIDiff=-.609 to -.061s).

CONCLUSION: High-speed strength training may be preferential to low-speed training in high school athletes when performance goals reflect agility and upper body power. More research is needed to determine 1) the impact of HS on agility, and 2) the possible mitigating variables involved in the differential development of upper and lower body power when employing HS training.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS