%0 Journal Article %A Pareja Blanco, Fernando %A Asián Clemente, José Antonio %A Sáez de Villarreal Sáez, Eduardo %T Combined squat and light-load resisted sprint training for improving athletic performance %D 2021 %U https://hdl.handle.net/10433/25913 %X This study aimed to analyze the effects of 5 training methods: squat (SQ), light-load sled towing (LST), heavy-load sled towing (HST), squat combined with LST (SQ + LST), and squat combined with HST (SQ + HST) on physical performance. Ninety-one physically active men were randomly assigned to one of the aforementioned training methods or a control group. Before and after the training period, a battery of tests was completed: 30-m sprint; change of direction (COD); countermovement jump (CMJ) and Abalakov jump (ABK); and estimated 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in squat. Training took place once per week for 8 weeks. SQ trained the squat exercise, HST trained resisted sprints with 80% body mass (BM) load, LST trained resisted sprints with 12.5% BM load, SQ + HST combined squat with 80% BM load resisted sprint, and SQ + LST combined squat with 12.5% BM load resisted sprint. The loads used in squat ranged from 40 to 55% 1RM. After the training program, SQ + LST showed improvements in 0- to 30-, 10- to 20-, and 10- to 30-m sprint times, whereas SQ + HST did not achieve significant enhancements over any sprint time. LST and HST improved over 0-20 and 10-30 m, respectively. SQ showed improvements in 20- to 30-m sprint time. Change of direction and CMJ performance were increased for HST, SQ + HST, and SQ + LST, whereas only SQ + LST improved ABK height. SQ, HST, SQ + HST, and SQ + LST increased 1RM. Squat training with low/moderate loads combined with LST (12.5% BM) may be an effective stimulus for improving leg strength, jump ability, COD, and sprint performance. %K Sled towing %K Strength training %K Speed %K Change of direction %K Acceleration %K Maximal velocity %~