Effectiveness of Fartlek Training on Selected Phsyiological Parameters in 400m among College Level Sprinters

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION- The sprint performance is traditionally been categorized into three main phases, i.e., acceleration, maximum velocity and deceleration. Performance among the sprinters is thought to be mostly determined by three factors i.e., power, technique, and sprint-specific endurance. The term “Fartlek” is derived from Swedish term “Fart meaning speed and Lek meaning play”. Fartlek exercise was introduced in 1930 by Swedish coach Gosta Holmer to improve the endurance and strength of workout as well as to enhance awareness of one’s own speed and pace of the race. Fartlek training can boost an athlete's anaerobic and aerobic capacity, depending on the exact composition. Fartlek training is popular among coaches because it offers a break from two organized training methods. We aimed to assess the effect of fartlek training on cardio respiratory endurance, breath holding time and pulse rate in 400m college level sprinters. It was postulated that this training may improve cardiorespiratory endurance, breath hold time and resting pulse rate in college level sprinters. MATERIALS AND METHODS-The present study was conducted as an experimental pre-post follow up comparative study on college level 400m sprinters during the study period of 8 weeks (2 months). A total of 30 sprinters were selected and randomized into two groups i.e., Group A (n=15)- Experimental group- Fartlek training and Group B (n=15)- Control group basic training. Parameters were assessed thoroughly with a standard physical examination. Resting pulse rate, breath holding time and Cardiorespiratory endurance (using 20-meter shuttle run test) was done at baseline. Thereafter, fartlek training with basic training was given for 8 weeks in group A and basic training was given in group B. Resting pulse rate, breath holding time and Cardiorespiratory endurance (using 20 metre shuttles run test) was again assessed after 8 weeks in both the groups. RESULTS - The study results showed that, though cardiovascular endurance before intervention was comparable between two groups (p>0.05), the cardiovascular endurance was significantly higher post intervention in group A as compared to group B (p<0.05). Mean breath holding time improved significantly post intervention in group A (experimental group) as compared to group B (p<0.05). Though we observed no significant difference in pulse rate between experimental and control group before intervention (p>0.05), mean pulse rate improved significantly post-intervention in group A (experimental group) as compared to group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS- Fartlek training helps in improving not only the cardiovascular endurance but also helps in improving the breath holding time and reducing resting pulse rate, thereby improving the overall performance among the sprinters even in short period of time i.e. 8 weeks. Thus, Fartlek training must be incorporated in the training protocol of the sprinters so as to improve their performance.