Comparison of Sprint- and Jump-Performance Outcomes 6 Hours Following Sprint-Priming Stimuli Involving Different External Loads

Purpose : This study aimed to (1) compare sprint- and jump-performance outcomes 6 hours following sprint-priming stimuli involving different external loads and (2) investigate whether maximal dynamic strength level influences sprint-priming outcomes. Methods : Sixteen recreationally active males completed 5 sprint-priming activities (control [no physical activity] and 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% body mass) in randomized order. Twenty-meter-sprint, countermovement-jump, and squat-jump tests assessed performance outcomes. Results : Faster 0- to 20-m sprint times were observed following 0% (mean difference [MD] = −0.124 s; 95% CI, −0.184 to −0.064; P < .001), 30% (MD = −0.099 s; 95% CI, −0.160 to −0.039; P = .002), 10% (MD = −0.072 s; 95% CI, −0.132 to −0.012; P = .020), and 20% (MD = −0.070 s; 95% CI, −0.130 to −0.010; P = .024) sprint- priming stimuli compared with control. The 0% sprint-priming stimulus (MD = −0.068, −0.053 s; 95% CI, −0.115 to −0.008; P = .005–.024) elicited faster 0- to 5- and 0- to 10-m sprint times than 10%, 20%, and control. Faster 0- to 10-m sprint times were also observed following the 0% sprint-priming stimulus (MD = −0.096, −0.053 s; 95% CI, −0.153 to 0.000; P = .001–.049) compared with 10%, 20%, and control conditions. Additionally, the 30% sprint-priming stimulus (MD = −0.059 s; 95% CI, −0.115 to −0.002; P = .043) elicited significantly faster 0- to 10-m sprint times than control. Jump measures were unaffected. Maximal dynamic strength was not associated with sprint-performance outcomes. Conclusion : Sprint priming may enhance performance in tasks requiring maximal acceleration over 20 m when assessed 6 hours later.