Comparative effects of motorized versus traditional sled training on speed, agility, and power in collegiate football athletes over eight weeks

Training utilizing a resistance sled has been shown to confer considerable improvements in athletic performance across speed, strength, and power metrics. However, most available training protocols only investigate sled pushing and/or pulling in isolation, with none incorporating lateral movement (i.e., multiplanar movements). The objective of the present study is to determine the efficacy of a novel sled utilizing motorized resistance to improve performance measures while using a comprehensive training program using multiplanar exercises. Forty-eight healthy collegiate male football players were recruited for this 8-week, randomized control trial with three weekly training sessions. Participants were randomized into one of two training groups utilizing either a motorized resistance sled training apparatus (MRS) or a traditional resistance sled training apparatus (CONT). Improvements in countermovement jump height, peak power, 20-meter sprint, and 5-10-5 Pro Agility Test performance were significantly greater in MRS compared to CON (p < .003, d = 1.1; p < .002, d = 1.0; p < .001, d = 1.9; p < .001; d = 1.9; p < .005; d = 0.9, respectively). These findings are the first to demonstrate the efficacy of a novel motorized resistance sled with a training protocol encompassing a variety of multiplanar movements to improve performance measures related to American football