Effect of lower body explosive power on sprint time in a sled-towing exercise

Abstract

Introduction. — This study investigated the correlation between lower body explosive power and the rate of increase in sprint time with increasing sled weight in a sled-towing exercise. Synthesis of the facts. — Eight male sprinters performed tests of lower body explosive power. The rate of increase in sprint time showed a strong correlation with countermovement jump height (r = —0.73) and with normalized peak power in a countermovement jump (r = —0.81) and a squat jump (r = —0.80). Conclusion. — Inter-athlete differences in the rate of increase in sprint time might be due to differences in the athlete’s power-to-weight ratio.