Hydraulic Resistance Device for Force, Power, and Force–Velocity–Power Profile Assessment During Resisted Sprints with Different Overloads

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a hydraulic resistance device (HRD) to assess the force and power output and force–velocity–power profile of short sprints, while examining the effects of hydraulic overload on these outcomes. Twenty-eight amateur athletes performed 20 m sprints under minimal (MiL), moderate (MoL), and high (HiL) overloads. Sprint velocity was measured with the HRD, while resistance force (Fr) was assessed from the pressure via the HRD and from the reaction force via the force plate (FP). Using velocity and Fr during the sprints, maximal velocity (vmax), average horizontal force (Favg), average power (Pavg), and FvP profile variables (F0, v0, and Pmax) were calculated. A two-way ANOVA analysed the effects of overload and calculation method. In addition, a correlation between the HRD and FP measurements was evaluated. For all variables, very high to excellent correlation between the HRD and FP was observed (r ≥ 0.96). However, the Favg, Pavg, F0, and Pmax calculated by the HRD were lower than the FP across all overloads (η2 ≥ 0.51; p < 0.001). Regardless of the method used, Favg, Pavg, and F0 were highest at HiL (η2 ≥ 0.38; p < 0.001), and v0 was highest at MiL (η2 = 0.35; p < 0.001), whereas overload had no significant effect on Pmax (η2 = 0.01; p = 0.770). The HRD is a feasible means for monitoring force and power output during hydraulic resisted sprints but should not be directly compared to other resistance devices. HiL produced the highest Favg, Pavg, and F0 and may be optimal for increasing power output and improving acceleration performance.