Acute effects of sled-towing exercise: A systematic review

Abstract

The present review aims to analyse the research studies related to resisted sprint methods and their effects on sprint performance, power output and strength, and also the current situation in the use of the optimal load in resisted sprint training. The data were obtained from an analysis carried out in the MEDLINE/PubMed and SportDiscus databases from 1985 to 2012, with the key words "Sprint Running", "Resisted Training", "Sled Towing", "Resisted Sprint" and "Resisted Sprinting". Seven studies were selected as they included sled-towing exercises in sprinting. Results showed agreement regarding the load's standard in sled-towing, and all studies utilised loads between 5% and 30% of body mass (BM). Recommendations for designing resisted sprint training with loads focus on resistance lower than 13% of BM to prevent a decrease of more than 10% in sprinting velocity and to maintain the athlete's unloaded sprinting movement patterns. The lack of research focusing on the relationship between sled-towing exercise and power output and strength variables makes it difficult to determine the load to optimise specific strength and power in sprinting; thus, the use of higher loads in resisted sprint training programs remains limited.