THE INFLUENCE OF A STRENGTH SPRINT TRAINING SEQUENCE ON MULTIJOINT POWER OUTPUT

The purpose of this study was to determine whether adaptation to singl e- Versus multi-joint strength training and sprint training was differ ent and whether sequencing strength prior to sprint training was benef icial for increasing power. Thirty-two untrained males were assigned t o control (C), sprint-sprint (SS), multi-joint (MJS), or single-joint (SJS) strength-sprint groups. Subjects were tested before training, af ter 8 wk of strength or sprint training, and after an additional 6 wk of sprint training. By mid-training both SJS and MJS increased 10 repe tition maximum strength, but this was not transferable to isometric or isokinetic strength or rate of torque development. SS showed no impro vement in these variables. All training groups increased cycle ergomet er power output by 8 wk and had similar fiber hypertrophy with no EMG changes. Subsequent sprint training continued to increase maximum powe r with no further hypertrophy. Tibial nerve conduction velocity increa sed in all training groups. These results indicate Little difference i n adaptation to single- and multi-joint strength training. Strength or power improvements caused by training in these modes does not transfe r to isometric or isokinetic movements. Further, sequenced strength-sp rint training provided no additional power gain over sprint training a lone.