Repeated Sprints: An Independent Not Dependent Variable

in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Click name to view affiliation

Jonathan M. Taylor
Search for other papers by Jonathan M. Taylor in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Tom W. Macpherson
Search for other papers by Tom W. Macpherson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Iain R. Spears
Search for other papers by Iain R. Spears in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Matthew Weston
Search for other papers by Matthew Weston in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

The ability to repeatedly perform sprints has traditionally been viewed as a key performance measure in team sports, and the relationship between repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and performance has been explored extensively. However, when reviewing the repeated-sprint profile of team-sports match play it appears that the occurrence of repeated-sprint bouts is sparse, indicating that RSA is not as important to performance as commonly believed. Repeated sprints are, however, a potent and time-efficient training strategy, effective in developing acceleration, speed, explosive leg power, aerobic power, and high-intensity-running performance—all of which are crucial to team-sport performance. As such, we propose that repeated-sprint exercise in team sports should be viewed as an independent variable (eg, a means of developing fitness) as opposed to a dependent variable (eg, a means of assessing fitness/performance).

The authors are with the Sport and Exercise Science Dept, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.

Address author correspondence to Jonathan Taylor at Jonathan.Taylor@tees.ac.uk.
  • Collapse
  • Expand