The effect of an off-feet conditioning protocol on performance and training load response to intermittent sprint training compared to an equivalent running based protocol

Abstract

Training for maximal intensity actions can lead to muscle damage, muscle soreness, and neuromuscular fatigue if not carefully managed. Due to this potential impact, coaches sometimes look to off-feet conditioning (OFC) as an alternative. A training intervention compared an OFC protocol using cycle ergometer sprints with an equivalent running protocol. Seventeen (17) participants volunteered and completed the study. Following baseline testing participants were divided into a cycle (BIKE) or shuttle (RUN) group. Training intervention was 10-12 6 s sprint efforts with 80-seconds recovery. Post testing showed significant time effect for absolute (p=0.045), and substantial change for Mean Power (p=0.0606) for BIKE. There was a significant time effect in the shuttle test (p=0.008) for RUN. Substantial, non-significant improvements in performance were found in 10 m (p=0.261) 20 m time (p=0.307) and Peak Power (p=0.160) for BIKE. RPE was significantly higher in BIKE (p<0.001). Next-day soreness was significantly higher for RUN (p<0.001). Neither intervention negatively affected any measure. The cycle protocol may benefit sprint running performance. This form of training may mitigate the impact of high volumes of run-based training by decreasing eccentric loading thus reducing soreness. OFC may be useful for maintaining performance without adding mechanical stress on the lower body.