← Back to library
article 2025 10 pages

The Effect of an Off-Feet Conditioning Protocol on Performance and Training Load Response to Intermittent Sprint Training Compared to an Equivalent Running Based Protocol

Timothy Rogers, Ryan Connell, Jarrod Free, Nicholas Gill, Kim Hebert-Losier, Martyn Beaven

Journal
International Journal of Strength and Conditioning
DOI
10.47206/ijsc.v5i1.410
Study type
training intervention study
Population
Rugby League players
View on DOI ↗

Abstract

Training for maximal intensity actions can lead to muscle damage, muscle soreness, and neuromuscular fatigue if not carefully managed.  Due to this potential impact, coaches sometimes look to off-feet conditioning (OFC) as an alternative.

A training intervention compared an OFC protocol using cycle ergometer sprints with an equivalent running protocol. Seventeen (17) participants volunteered and completed the study. Following baseline testing participants were divided into a cycle (BIKE) or shuttle (RUN) group. Training intervention was 10-12 6 s sprint efforts with 80-seconds recovery. 

Post testing showed significant time effect for absolute (p=0.045), and substantial change for Mean Power (p=0.0606) for BIKE. There was a significant time effect in the shuttle test (p=0.008) for RUN. Substantial, non-significant improvements in performance were found in 10 m (p=0.261) 20 m time (p=0.307) and Peak Power (p=0.160) for BIKE. RPE was significantly higher in BIKE (p

Description

This study compares an off-feet conditioning protocol using cycle ergometer sprints with an equivalent running protocol.