Physiological and Perceptual Responses to a Single Session of Resisted Sled Sprint Training at Light or Heavy Sled Loads

Abstract

Monahan, M, Petrakos, G, and Egan, B. Physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of resisted sled sprint training at light or heavy sled loads. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2733-2740, 2022-The acute physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of resisted sled sprint (RSS) training are largely unexplored, nor have differences, if any, between male and female athletes been compared. Team field sport athletes (n = 27; male/female, 15/12; 21.1 ± 2.7 years) were assessed for Maximal Resisted Sled Load (MRSL) from which light (L-RSS, 30%MRSL) and heavy (H-RSS, 80%MRSL) sled loads were prescribed. On separate occasions in random order, 2 training sessions of 12 × 20 m RSS repetitions at either L- or H-RSS were performed, and assessments of physiological and perceptual responses were performed before (PRE), during, after (POST) and 24 hours after (+24 hours POST) each session. Compared to unresisted sprints, velocity decrements of 7.5 ± 2.2 and 22.7 ± 8.1% were produced by L-RSS and H-RSS, respectively. Heart rate, blood lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion were higher in H-RSS compared to L-RSS. Decrements in 20 m sprint and countermovement jump performance observed at POST had returned to PRE values at +24 hours POST. Except for a higher heart rate (∼7-12 b·min-1) in females during the respective sessions, responses to L- and H-RSS were generally similar between males and females. A single session of heavy RSS training is more demanding than light RSS training when matched for sprint number and distance, but measures of lower limb power and sprint performance return to pre-training levels within 24 hours regardless of sled load. Males and females respond similarly to a single session of RSS training when individualized, relative intensity sled loads are prescribed.