ABSTRACT
To investigate the effects of training focused on the movement velocity of the lower limbs (movement velocity training) on short sprint performance in young female non-athletes. Twenty-nine healthy young females (mean age: 20.1 ± 0.9 years) participated in this study. The subjects were randomized into a movement velocity training group (MV group, n=15) and a resistance training group (R group, n=14). MV group performed six lower limb exercises at high velocity (as fast as possible) with no load. R group performed five lower limb strength exercises using a resistance band. Both training programs were applied for 20 minutes per session, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The following outcomes were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of training: 30 m sprint time, 20- 26m running velocity, step length, step frequency, and muscle strength and movement velocity of knee extension. Significant group × time interactions were observed for the 30-m sprint time with the MV group exhibiting a significant improvement on simple main effect analysis. For the other parameters (step length, step frequency, and muscle strength and movement velocity of knee extension), group × time interactions were not observed and a significant main effect was observed. These findings suggest that training focused on the movement velocity of the lower limbs can be effective for improving sprint performance.