@misc{10498/40645,
year = {2026},
month = {9},
url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10498/40645},
abstract = {This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated resisted sled training (RST) efficacy
compared to unresisted sprint training (UST), alongside the moderating effects of sprint
distance, sled load, and surface. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science,
Scopus and SPORTDiscus were searched up to May 2026. Risk of bias was assessed via the
PEDro scale. Twelve studies (N = 324) were included. Data were analyzed using Correlated
Robust Variance Estimation (CRVE). Overall, RST reduced sprint times compared to UST
(Hedges’ g = −0.250, p = 0.046; I2 = 0.0%). While time reductions were significant for early
acceleration (≤10 m; g = −0.360, p < 0.001), and not for longer-distance outcomes (>10 m;
g = −0.168, p = 0.293), the between-distance interaction was non-significant (p = 0.094).
Moderate loads (g = −0.352, p = 0.062) and indoor gym floors (g = −0.495, p = 0.096) showed
larger point estimates than natural grass (g = −0.180) and synthetic tracks (g = −0.197).
In conclusion, no statistically significant moderating effects of distance, load, or surface
were demonstrated. Because training surfaces influence the actual mechanical stimulus,
prescribing sled loads based on velocity decrement (%Vdec) rather than percentage of body
mass (%BM) is a promising hypothesis to standardize resistance across terrains, requiring
confirmation via future prospective trials. PROSPERO: CRD420261415365.},
publisher = {MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)},
keywords = {resisted sprint training},
keywords = {sled towing},
keywords = {acceleration},
keywords = {friction},
keywords = {biomechanics},
keywords = {athletic performance},
keywords = {team sports},
title = {Exploratory Analyses of Distance, Load, and Reported Training Surface as Potential Moderators of Resisted Sled Sprint Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14090395},
author = {Góngora-Rodríguez, Pablo and Rodríguez-Huguet, Manuel and Góngora Rodríguez, Jorge Manuel and Riscart López, Javier and Castro Maqueda, Guillermo Ramón de and Rosety Rodríguez, Miguel Ángel},
}