The acute demands and physical adaptations of repeated-sprint training

Repeated-sprint training (RST) is a common training method used to prepare athletes for the intermittent, high-intensity demands of sports competition. However, there are many different RST programs applied in research and practice, leading to diverse acute and chronic effects. The overall aims of this thesis were to, 1) evaluate and summarise the acute demands and physical adaptations of RST, and 2) investigate the effects of manipulating programming variables on the acute demands and physical adaptations of RST. Studies 1 and 2 were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which included data from 5470 athletes. Study 3 was a randomised, crossover study involving 14 trained athletes, and Study 4 was a parallel, two-group, training intervention that was performed by 24 rugby league players. Study 1 established that the acute physiological, neuromuscular, perceptual, and performance demands of RST are substantial, with these demands most influenced by sprint distance, rest time, and rest modality. Study 2 showed that RST improves a range of physical qualities and performing three sets of 6 x 30 m sprints, twice per week for six weeks is a highly effective training program. Study 3 demonstrated how larger session volumes increase the acute demands of RST, but by manipulating volume, sprint distance, and the number of repetitions, practitioners can alter the acute stimulus. Finally, in Study 4, after a six-week training intervention, both the RST and short high-intensity interval training (HIIT) groups increased hamstring fascicle length, but RST was more effective at improving hamstring strength and linear speed, while short-bout HIIT was more effective at improving aerobic fitness. These findings support the application of RST as a time-efficient conditioning method that elicits a considerable physiological stimulus and enhances an array of distinct physical qualities, which are important to sports performance. Furthermore, through the manipulation of programming variables, coaches can use the findings from this thesis to design RST programs that achieve specific aims.

This work © 2024, Fraser Thurlow.