Effect of post-activation performance enhancement of 10 meters sprint using isoinertial flywheel versus traditional resistance protocol after 6 minutes and 24 hours of rest: a crossover study
Keywords:
strength training, performance enhancement, sprinting ability, squat, flywheel, free weightAbstract
This study investigated whether 10-meter sprint performance (10M) could be enhanced 6 minutes and 24 hours after performing 3 sets of 6 squat repetitions (90° knee flexion) using either a flywheel isoinertial device (FW) or traditional free weights (TR). Twelve strength-trained university students (age: 23.0 ± 1.5 years; height: 180.4 ± 6.6 cm; weight: 77.1 ± 6.9 kg) participated in a non-synchronous crossover design. TR used resistance at power maximum (Pmax) on the barbell quantified through progressive loading during diagnostic series. For the FW, an encoder integrated into the device helped set resistance, with the highest power output during the concentric phase of the squat selected as the target resistance. Squat protocols involved 6 repetitions in 3 sets with 2-minute rests. Sprint times were recorded at baseline, 6 minutes, and 24 hours post-protocol using double-beam photocells. For statistical analysis we used ANOVA for repeated measures, least significant difference (LSD) to see difference between each time slots and partial Eta squared (η2) for effect size. We found that FW significantly enhanced 10M (F = 15,613; p = 0,002) with large effect size (η2 = 0,587). LSD showed significant effect after 24 hours (p = 0,002) but not after 6 minutes (p = 0,095). On the other side there was no significant effect of enhancing 10M using TR (F = 1,725; p = 0,216) with moderate effect size (η2 = 0,136). No significant differences were observed between FW and TR at any time point. While FW may enhance acceleration speed after 24 hours, TR showed limited impact. Further research is recommended.