Effects of a Six-Week Randomized Training Program on Speed and Agility in Previously Trained Adolescent Males

Abstract

Athletes are constantly searching for training regimens to gain performance advantages for competition. Protocols are designed to promote increases in performance over short- and long term periods but, most of these protocols improve only specific variables such as strength or running speed but not overall performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if increases in speed performance could be seen using a randomized style of sports performance training on adolescents who were familiar with, and had previously trained, using this style. Eight-male subjects, mean age of 14.6±0.9 years, participated in this training study. Mean height and weight were 1.7 m±0.12 m and 77.6 kg±15.3 kg, respectively. The study consisted of 6 weeks of randomized sports performance training. Subjects participating in the study had at least 12 weeks of previous randomized sports performance training. Three performance assessments (Russian box, plank, and timed ladder) were conducted prior to the 1st week of training and after the 6th week. Girth measurements (arm, thigh, and chest) and weight were also assessed pre- and post-training. Following the 6 weeks of training, significant differences (p<0.05 two-tailed, paired t-test) were observed in all three performance assessments. Pre/post measurements for the Russian box, plank, and timed ladder were 72.13±20.27 touches/91.13±30.99 touches, 239.86±194.67 seconds/346.57±272.09 seconds, and 281±39.62 seconds/255.75±33.23 seconds, respectively. No significant differences were seen in pre- and post-training subject weight or girth measurements (arm, thigh, and chest). Results support that randomized sports performance training can continue to increase performance in adolescents with previous training experience.