Effects of Resisted Methods upon Sprint Performance in Rugby Players: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The resisted method can provide an effective way to improve sprinting in both the acceleration and maximal velocity phases. However, substantial discrepancies exist in the literature regarding the influence of the athletes’ training status and the prescription of the load to be used in relation to the specific components of the desired sprint performance and its phases. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the research that analyzes the effects of the application of a sprint overload in rugby players, as well as to establish the results obtained in relation to the percentage of the load applied. For this purpose, the guidelines provided in the PRISMA Declaration were followed, and a search was conducted in five databases: PubMed,Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. After screening, a total of 16 reports were included that met the proposed eligibility criteria. The results yielded information based on the effect of the application of an overload on the following aspects: (1) adaptation to training; (2) acute post-activation potentiation effect; and (3) acute effect and its influence on running kinematics and kinetics. It can be concluded that in order to work on weighted sprint training, the percentage of load to be used must be taken into account, as this percentage will determine to a large extent the effect that will be produced when it is applied.