Efficacy of a Multi-Component Conditioning Program on Neuromuscular and Anaerobic Performance Profiles in Elite High School Sprinters

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a 16-week multi-component conditioning program—incorporating interval, plyometric, speed, and resistance training—on body composition, physical fitness, isokinetic knee strength, and anaerobic capacity in elite high school track and field sprinters. The participants were 11 elite high school sprinters (8 males, 3 females) officially registered with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and based in J-province. Measured variables included body composition metrics, physical fitness components, isokinetic knee joint kinetics, and anaerobic power profiles. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 to calculate means and standard deviations, and paired-samples t-tests were conducted to determine pre- to post-training differences, with the alpha level set at .05. Regarding body composition trajectories, body weight, total muscle mass, and skeletal muscle mass increased significantly post-intervention, whereas no significant changes were observed in height or body fat percentage. In physical fitness components, significant improvements were found in push-ups, sit-ups, isometric back muscle strength, sergeant jumps, and whole-body auditory reaction time; however, standing long jump performance showed no significant change. For isokinetic knee strength at a low velocity of 60°/sec, the absolute and relative (%BW) right knee flexor strength improved significantly, while no significant differences were captured in the extensors or the contralateral limb at 60°/sec, nor across any variables at the high velocity of 180°/sec. For anaerobic capacity, absolute peak power, absolute mean power, and relative peak and mean power normalized to body mass improved significantly, whereas the fatigue index showed no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, the 16-week multi-component conditioning program exerted highly positive effects on increasing skeletal muscle mass, enhancing health- and skill-related physical fitness, and optimizing anaerobic power profiles in high school sprinters. Consequently, this multi-component regimen is expected to serve as an effective, evidence-based physical preparation framework for maximizing competitive performance and accelerating record progression in elite youth sprinters.