The Use of Acute Exercise Interventions as Priming Strategies to Improve Physical Performance During Track-and-Field Competitions: A Systematic Review [Article Review]

The systematic review titled "The Use of Acute Exercise Interventions as Priming Strategies to Improve Physical Performance During Track-and-Field Competitions" was published by Kairui Tan and colleagues in 2024. This study aimed to compile and analyze research exploring the effectiveness of priming strategies to maximize physical performance in track and field events.

The review focused on acute exercise interventions used as priming techniques to enhance athletes' performance during track and field competitions. By examining various studies, the authors sought to understand how different types of exercise, performed within a specific timeframe before competition, could potentially improve an athlete's physical capabilities on the day of the event.

The review categorized the exercise interventions into four main types: resistance training, plyometric/ballistic training, resisted sprints, and modified warm-ups. Key findings revealed that heavy-loaded resistance training (>85% 1 repetition maximum) and resisted sprints were effective in improving subsequent sprint performance. Plyometric and ballistic training showed positive impacts on jumping events like long jump and throwing events such as shot put. Modified warm-ups, including high-intensity sprints and the use of heavier throwing implements, also demonstrated improvements in running and throwing performance.A crucial insight from the review was the timing of these interventions. The authors found that exercise interventions performed at high intensity and low volume were most effective when conducted as close as 4 minutes before the event. However, they emphasized the importance of considering a sufficient recovery interval to ensure a positive performance response.

In conclusion, this systematic review provides valuable insights for track and field coaches and athletes looking to optimize performance through acute exercise interventions.

The key applications for sport performance include:

1. Implement heavy-loaded resistance training or resisted sprints to enhance sprint performance.

2. Utilize plyometric or ballistic training to improve jumping and throwing events.

3. Consider modified warm-ups with high-intensity components for running and throwing events.

4. Time the interventions carefully, aiming for high-intensity, low-volume exercises close to the event time.

5. Ensure adequate recovery between the priming exercise and the competition to avoid fatigue.

6. Tailor the priming strategy to the specific event, as different interventions showed varying effectiveness for different track and field disciplines.

7. Experiment with these strategies during training to determine individual responses and optimal protocols before implementing them in competition settings.

8. Team Sports: Sports like soccer, basketball, and rugby can benefit from resistance training and sprint-based priming strategies. Implementing high-intensity, low-volume resistance exercises 4-6 hours before games could enhance players' strength and power output during crucial moments.

   
   

By applying these evidence-based strategies, track and field athletes can potentially unlock significant performance improvements on competition day, giving them a competitive edge in their events.

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