Sprint performance changes in adolescent athletes following a 6-week elastic resistance training program: a preliminary field study

Abstract

Background: Elastic Resistance Training (ERT) is a widely used modality in rehabilitation, but its efficacy for enhancing sprint performance in adolescents is under-researched. Methods: Twenty-eight competitive adolescent track and field athletes (mean age: 16.64 ± 1.37 years) participated in a 6-week progressive ERT program added to their standard technical training. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all distances. The 30 m sprint time decreased from 4.36 s to 4.29 s (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.24, small effect). The 60 m time improved from 8.16 s to 8.08 s (p < 0.001, d = 0.11, trivial effect). The most meaningful change occurred in the 400 m sprint, decreasing from 70.98 s to 68.30 s (p < 0.001, d = 0.29, small-to-moderate effect). Conclusion: While absolute improvements in short acceleration (30 m) were small, the intervention showed greater practical relevance for speed endurance (400 m). Coaches should consider ERT as a supplementary tool for developing anaerobic capacity in youth athletes.