Multiple Sprint Exercise with a Short Deceleration Induces Muscle Damage and Performance Impairment in Young, Physically Active Males

Multiple Sprint Exercise with a Short Deceleration Induces Muscle Damage and Performance Impairment in Young, Physically Active Males

The purpose of the present study was to identify whether a bout of high-intensity multiple sprints elicits exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) of a similar magnitude to drop jumps. Methods: Ten physically active male volunteers (mean ± SD; 27 ± 3 y, 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 78.4 ± 7.5 kg) completed 10×10 drop jumps (DRP) and a bout of 40×15 m sprints with a 5 m deceleration zone (SPR) in a randomised repeated-measures crossover study. Muscle damage indices (creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), perceptual soreness and affective valence, range of motion and limb girth) and performance markers (vertical jump, agility and sprint performance) were gathered at baseline and 1, 24, 48 and 72 h post exercise. Results: The study findings revealed a significant Test by Time interaction for 15 m sprint performance (P<0.05), with a greater decrement in performance observed following SPR (~4%) compared to DRP (~1%). A significant main effect for Time for CK and AST activity, perceptual soreness, affective valence, limb girth, vertical jump and agility performance (P<0.05) was also revealed, although no Test by Time interaction was observed (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that a bout of multiple sprints with a short deceleration phase elicits greater reductions in sprint performance than drop jumps. This should be considered by individuals using similar sprint protocols in an applied context and by individuals looking to conduct research into EIMD using ecologically valid exercise protocols.