Effectiveness of a power-training block with two cluster set configurations in recreationally trained young adults on sprint performance

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-week power-training block with two different cluster set configurations using pneumatic equipment on sprint performance. Method: Thirty recreationally active subjects participated in this study (18 female and 12 male). The subjects were distributed randomly into Control (CG), Cluster 1 (CL1) and Cluster 2 (CL2) groups. The experimental procedure involved a three-week training period; at the pre- and post-training time points, a 20-meter sprint tests were applied. Results: There was an intergroup significant difference for the CL2 versus the CG for time, acceleration and velocity in the first 10-meter sprint test. The alpha value used was p < 0.05. For total time, total velocity, time and velocity in the first 10-meter sprint test: significant differences were observed for both CL1 and CL2 at the post-test. The total acceleration and acceleration in the first 10-meter sprint test was significantly different for the CL2 at the post-training. There were no significant differences in time, velocity and acceleration in the final 10-meter sprint test between groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that interventions with intra-set intervals (specifically CL2) using pneumatic equipment allow for positive adaptations in velocity and acceleration after three-week training.