1.    Introduction
Success in sports performance is influenced by various factors, with training playing a pivotal role (1). Sprinting, being a sport focused on achieving record-breaking performances, prompts track and field coaches to advocate for strength training as a means to enhance muscle strength and endurance (2). Optimal muscle performance, particularly among sprinters, is achievable through resistance training, enabling efficient activity execution with minimal energy expenditure over shorter durations (3). Resistance exercises, whether utilizing weights or body weight, induce muscle tension, leading to increased production of contraction proteins, muscle cross-sectional area enlargement, and improvements in anaerobic power and speed (4, 5). Enhancing strength, muscle endurance, and motor performance is crucial for improving overall sports performance (6). In a similar context, Saberi et al. (2020) explored the effects of an eight-week resistance and endurance training regimen on the physiological, functional, and record-related factors of elite runners, revealing increased heart rate and blood pressure post-training, possibly attributed to exercise duration, intensity, and rest intervals between sessions (9). Given the broad impact of lower limb muscle strength on speed records, the efficacy of resistance training on sports performance hinges on training intensity, volume, and loading methods (13-16). Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on the performance records of young sprinters.
2.    Methods
The study population comprised teenage sprinters who voluntarily participated in an eight-week resistance exercise program. Prior to participation, subjects completed general health and parental consent forms, which were approved by the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences of Mohaghegh University. A pilot test was conducted to familiarize subjects with the laboratory environment and measurement devices. Thirty-four teenage male runners were divided into resistance and control groups based on height, weight, and body mass index. Muscle strength was assessed before and after the eight-week training period.
3.    Results
Descriptive statistics for participants' demographic characteristics, including height, weight, and body mass index, are presented in Table 1. Mean and standard deviation values for pre-test and post-test variables in both control and training groups are detailed in Table 2 to provide an overview of the data.


4.    Conclusion
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of eight weeks of resistance training on the performance records of young sprinters. While previous research has demonstrated the effects of resistance training on strength, power, and balance, opinions on its influence on speed and agility remain varied, possibly due to differences in training protocols and subject characteristics (30). Lower limb strength is crucial for athletic performance, as evidenced by studies emphasizing its significance (32, 33). McBride et al. (2002) observed significant improvements in peak power following eight weeks of resistance training using light and heavy squat jumps (34). They attributed enhanced lower body explosive power to factors such as improved muscle coordination, local muscle changes, and stimulation of motor units (32, 35). Although our study showed no significant effects of resistance training on chest press, squat, and thigh muscle strength, increases in chest and thigh circumference indicate improvements in fat-free and muscle mass. Furthermore, the training group exhibited better sprinting records compared to the control group, consistent with previous findings demonstrating enhanced running speed post-resistance training programs (38). Resistance training contributes to improvements in absolute and relative strength, chest circumference, power, and reduced sprint records. Therefore, incorporating resistance training into sprinters' preparation regimens is recommended.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
There were no ethical considerations to be addressed in this research.
Funding
This research did not receive any grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.
Authors' contributions
All authors contributed equally to preparing the article.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.