Effects of resisted sprint training on sprint, jump, and change-of-direction performance in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>To systematically evaluate the effects of RST (resisted sprint training) on athletes' sprint, jump, and COD (change-of-direction performance).<h4>Methods</h4>Following PRISMA, we searched seven databases from inception to 12 July 2025-PubMed, Web of Science (all databases), MEDLINE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Embase. Study certainty was appraised with GRADE. All included data were analyzed in Stata/MP 18.0.<h4>Results</h4>Sixteen studies (404 participants) were included. RST significantly improved linear sprint performance (SMD = 0.65, p < 0.001, I² = 21.2%), vertical jump performance (SMD = -0.38, p = 0.013 I² = 0.0%), and COD ability (SMD = 1.10, p < 0.001, I² = 0.0%). UST (unresisted sprint training)also significantly improved linear sprint performance (SMD = 0.42, p < 0.001, I² = 15.6%) and COD ability (SMD = 0.60, p < 0.001, I² = 0.0%), but not vertical jump performance (SMD = -0.03, p = 0.872, I² = 0.0%). Compared with UST, RST produced a greater improvement in COD ability (p = 0.043), with no significant differences for linear sprint (p = 0.057) or vertical jump (p = 0.102). Subgroup analyses indicated that, relative to UST, RST had larger benefits for 0-10 m linear sprint performance (p < 0.001) and among youth athletes (p = 0.000). Versus RT (regular training), RST yielded greater improvements in linear sprint performance (p < 0.001) and vertical jump performance (p < 0.001), but not in COD ability (p = 0.064).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Both RST and UST improve linear sprint performance and COD ability. Only RST shows a significant within-group gain in vertical jump. Compared with UST, RST yields greater benefits for initial acceleration (0-10 m) and among youth athletes. Practically, when the primary goal is initial acceleration and COD, prioritize RST; for broader explosive-power development, pair RST with vertically oriented strength or plyometric training to develop both horizontal and vertical force qualities.<h4>Systematic review registration</h4>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#guidancenotes, identifier PROSPERO (CRD420251103833).