Can anti-gravity running improve performance to the same degree as over-ground running?

ABSTRACT

This study examined the changes in running performance, maximal blood lactate concentrations and running kinematics between 85%BM anti-gravity (AG) running and normal over-ground (OG) running over an 8-week training period. Fifteen elite male developmental cricketers were assigned to either the AG or over-ground (CON) running group. The AG group (n = 7) ran twice a week on an AG treadmill and once per week over-ground. The CON group (n = 8) completed all sessions OG on grass. Both AG and OG training resulted in similar improvements in time trial and shuttle run performance. Maximal running performance showed moderate differences between the groups, however the AG condition resulted in less improvement. Large differences in maximal blood lactate concentrations existed with OG running resulting in greater improvements in blood lactate concentrations measured during maximal running. Moderate increases in stride length paired with moderate decreases in stride rate also resulted from AG training. The use of AG training to supplement regular OG training for performance should be used cautiously, as extended use over long periods of time could lead to altered stride mechanics and reduced blood lactate.

KEYWORDS:

• Gravitation
• cricket
• physiology
• training load
• interval training

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the participants for volunteering their time and effort throughout this study. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia, along with past and present employees of both organisations for their assistance throughout this project. Special thanks must go to Vic Williams, Peter Blanch and Andrew Weller for their support and access to players, and the anti-gravity treadmill, as well as Mitchell Bootes and Daniel Brew for their assistance during data collection of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.