Weighted Sled Towing and Ground Reaction Force by NASEinc

Effects of weighted sled towing on ground reaction force during the acceleration phase of sprint running: There is a need for additional research on the proper use and variable control for sprint-resisted training (weighted sleds, Austin leg-drive machine, uphill and staircase sprinting, and resistance bands) to effectively improve horizontally- and vertically-directed ground reaction force (GRF). The study described below analyzed force direction and sled weight to provide valuable information on specific training to increase horizontally directed force.

Athletes use weighted sled towing to improve sprint ability, but little is known about its biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of weighted sled towing with two different loads on ground reaction force. Ten physically active men (mean ± SD: age 27.9 ± 1.9 years; stature 1.76 ± 0.06 m; body mass 80.2 ± 9.6 kg) performed 5 m sprints under three conditions; (a) unresisted, (b) towing a sled weighing 10% of body mass (10% condition) and (c) towing a sled weighing 30% of body mass (30% condition). Ground reaction force data during the second ground contact after the start were recorded and compared across the three conditions. No significant differences between the unresisted and 10% conditions were evident, whereas the 30% condition resulted in significantly greater values for the net horizontal and propulsive impulses (P < 0.05) compared with the unresisted condition due to longer contact time and more horizontal direction of force application to the ground. It is concluded that towing a sled weighing 30% of body mass requires more horizontal force application and increases the demand for horizontal impulse production. In contrast, the use of 10% body mass has minimal impact on ground reaction force.

Coaching Application: Although 10% of body mass sled resistance was ineffective, a 30% resistance required more horizontally-directed ground reaction force beginning with the second ground contact after the start. Additional weight increased the demand for horizontal impulse direction.

References
Naoki Kawamori, Robert Newton, and Ken Nosaka. 2014. Effects of weighted sled towing on ground reaction force during the acceleration phase of sprint running. Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol. 32, 1139-1145.