Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Exercise -- physiology; Sports

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare a traditional training program to the Sports Acceleration Program® (SAP) in regards to the ability to improve an athlete's speed, quickness, agility, strength and power.

Methods. Twenty-four high school football players from Fargo South High (FSH)(Fargo, ND) participated in this study. Ten subjects served as the control group and participated in the FSH summer strength and conditioning program. The remaining 14 subjects were included in the experimental group and participated in the SAP. All subjects underwent seven weeks of training in their respective programs, precluded and followed by testing on performance variables including the 10-,20-, and 40-yard dashes, vertical jump, standing broad jump, seated shot put, Pro Agility Test, bench press, squat, Plyo-Press, Multi-Hip machine, Leg Extension, and Leg Curl. Results were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOV A) and Independent Samples t-Tests.

Results. Significant differences were found in the results ofthe10-yard dash, the MultiHip machine, and the Pro Agility Test. The FSH group performed more favorably in the 10-yard dash and the SAP group had a more favorable performance in the Multi-Hip and Pro Agility Test. All other testing failed to show significant differences between groups.

Conclusion/Discussion. Due to small sample size, ambiguity between testing variables, possible testing error, and confounds, it is very difficult to make a global statement concerning the superiority of one training program over the other. However, it would appear that the SAP is more beneficial in increasing lateral quickness and agility, possibly due to increased hip strength and the plyometric exercises which were included in training. More research needs to be conducted, however, to determine exactly what components of each program are the most beneficial.

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