A PhD thesis titled “The Effect of Rapid Strength Training in Aquatic and Weighted Environments on the Development of Certain Physical and Biomechanical Variables for the Phases of Technical Performance and 100-Meter Freestyle Running” by student Abu Al-Hasan Raouf Mahmoud was discussed at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences/ University of Baghdad. The thesis is specialized in “Biomechanics – Track and Field.” The discussion committee consisted of:
– Prof. Hasnaa Sattar Jabbar (Chair)
– Prof. Mohammed Hussein Hamidi (Member)
– Prof. Sanaa Majid Mohammed (Member)
– Prof. Ahmed Mohammed Ismail (Member)
– Prof. Huda Hamid Abdul Hussein (Member)
– Prof. Alaa Mohsen Yaser (Supervisor)
The study’s significance lies in addressing the effectiveness of 100-meter sprint training. Most training programs lack proper load scheduling according to technical phases and lack kinematic analysis, matching training loads with their scope, and utilizing biomechanical variables in programming exercises. The study particularly emphasizes rapid strength training in aquatic environments, alongside weighted strength training on land, in alignment with the mechanical work required in the shortest possible time for these activities. This approach aims to develop muscular capacity during movement through performance itself or in competition-like activities. The study highlights the importance of employing supportive means and kinematic analysis in athletic achievement.
The study aimed to design rapid strength training in aquatic and weighted environments for 100-meter sprinters and to identify values for certain physical and biomechanical variables for the phases of performance and achievement of the research sample. It also explored the impact of these training methods on the development of these variables through pre- and post-testing. The researcher used an experimental approach with a pre- and post-test design for two equivalent groups, suitable for the nature of the research problem.
Conclusions:
– Incorporating rapid strength training in track and field programs effectively improves performance.
– Rapid strength training in aquatic environments, regulated by the law of drag force, positively impacts physical and biomechanical variables and technical performance stages.
– Weighted rapid strength training similarly shows positive effects on physical and biomechanical variables and technical performance stages.
Recommendations:
– Emphasize the use of resistance training methods (aquatic – weighted) by coaches and integrate them into training programs.
– Clarify their importance to athletes.
– Adopt the law of drag force to regulate training intensities in aquatic environments for sprinting and all sports.
– Stress the importance of kinematic analysis by specialists and coaches, given its precision and intolerance for subjective errors.
