The effect of ladder training on performance and kinematic parameters of sprinting in prepubertal track and field athletes

This study examined the effects of a 6-week ladder training program on sprint performance and selected kinematic parameters in prepubescent male and female track and field athletes. Twenty-four children (7.2 ± 1.0 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EXP, n = 10) or a control group (CON, n = 14). The EXP group completed ladder training twice weekly in addition to regular track and field practice, while the CON group followed traditional training only. Sprint performance over 15 meters and kinematic variables (stride length, frequency, and average velocity, along with joint angular kinematics and their asymmetry) were measured before and after the intervention. Significant group × time interaction effects ( p < 0.05) were observed for the 0–5 m, 0–10 m, and total 15-m sprint performance, indicating improvements in the EXP group, particularly in the early acceleration phase. No significant group × time interaction effects ( p > 0.05) were found for the 5–10 m and 10–15 m segments, or for any kinematic parameters. The present findings suggest that ladder training may enhance early-phase sprint performance in young athletes. This improvement is underpinned by individual variations in kinematic responses, such as adjustments in step length or step frequency, which are not fully captured at the group-average level.