Short-Term Effects of Composite Training on Strength, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Hurling Players

Byrne, PJ, Moody, JA, Cooper, S-M, Farrell, E, and Kinsella, S. Short-term effects of composite training on strength, jump, and sprint performance in hurling players. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2253-2261, 2022-The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term effects of composite training to sprint training on strength, jump, and sprint acceleration performance in hurling players. A randomized counterbalanced group design with baseline test, pretest and post-test measures was used. Twenty-five hurling players volunteered to participate and 21 completed the study. Subjects were divided into a composite (COMP group, n = 10) or a sprint training (SPRINT group, n = 11) group. Both groups trained twice per week for 7 weeks with the SPRINT group performing 6 repetitions of 20 m sprints and the COMP group completing 6 repetitions (1 repetition = 3 bounce drop jumps [BDJs] with a 20 m sprint after 15 seconds recovery). Significant differences existed pretraining to post-training for the COMP group for BDJ contact time (-7.25%; p = 0.05) and countermovement jump (CMJ) variables (height: 7.43%, p = 0.006; force: 5.24%, p = 0.05; power: 15.11%, p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups at baseline and for group by time interactions. Significant improvements were observed pretraining to post-training in both groups for the following: absolute 3 repetition maximum (3RM) back squat strength (12.73-17.62%, p = 0.01), 5 m (5.74-9.49%, p = 0.006-0.04), 10 m (4.27-5.59%, p = 0.007-0.02), and 20 m (3.35-3.98%, p = 0.003-0.01). In conclusion, composite training is effective in enhancing fast stretch-shortening cycle efficiency inducing CMJ force and power augmentation. However, composite and sprint training are effective training approaches for enhancing maximal strength and sprint performance in a time efficient manner in hurling players.

Automated summary

This study compared the short-term effects of composite training and sprint training on strength, jump, and sprint acceleration performance in hurling players. The results showed that composite training significantly improved fast stretch-shortening cycle efficiency, CMJ force, and power. Both composite and sprint training were effective in enhancing maximal strength and sprint performance in hurling players.