Acute Effects of Knowledge of Results on Repeated Sprint Ability in Adolescent Male Team Sports Athletes

Repeated-sprint ability is critical for sustaining performance in team sports. Augmented feedback, particularly knowledge of results, may enhance athletic performance. However, its effects on repeated-sprint ability in young athletes remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of knowledge of results on repeated-sprint ability among adolescent male team sport athletes. A randomised crossover design was employed with 13 participants (age = 15 ± 1 years; height = 1.74 ± 0.07 meters; body mass = 61.0 ± 8.4 kilograms) completing linear sprints, shuttle sprints, and change of direction sprints to assess initial sprint time, average sprint time, total sprint time, and percentage decrement score. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results indicated no significant interactions for initial sprint time (p = 0.503), average sprint time (p = 0.639), total sprint time (p = 0.635), or percentage decrement score (p = 0.600) across feedback conditions. In conclusion, providing knowledge of results in the form of sprint times did not enhance performance or mitigate fatigue in junior athletes during repeated-sprint ability protocols. Coaches should consider alternative strategies to enhance athlete performance during training and competition.