Kolka Speed Trainers Study
At Ole Miss we have tried to explore every possible avenue of success when considering training methods. We have recently tried the Kolka Speed Trainers product, a device which was designed to strengthen the upper quad group of the legs, a most important muscle group which actually lifts the legs during normal running and sprinting. Our staff feels very strongly about strengthening the upper quad group because of its direct relationship with Track and Field movements.
We have searched hard for a method to strengthen this muscle group through resistance, and feel the Speed Trainers has been a valuable asset in helping us achieve this goal. We tested three groups of athletes: sprinters, field events, and middle distance athletes. Our criteria to measure was timed forty yard dashes before the Kolka Speed Trainers was used and then ten weeks after. There are so many variables present including sprint drills, running technique, and lifting weights, that it is hard to say precisely how much magnitude the Kolka weight had on speed. We will compare Group A (Kolka Speed Trainers group) to Group B (no Speed Trainers used) and compare the differences.
When looking at the results several things can be seen. The Speed Trainers group had a larger improvement percentage. With all the other variables being constant (weights, running, technique) it leads us to believe that the Speed Trainers improved our athletes. It was especially noticeable in our mid distance athletes who needed extra simulated strength work.
In reviewing the product, we feel it is a great asset for increasing speed. It works like many other training variables what you put into it, you get out of it. The harder you work the more benefits. Our kids work extremely hard in the fall and used the Speed Trainers in the following exercises: sprint drills- high knee action, regular skips, quick high knees, soft bounding, and steep incline sprints. They were used three times weekly Mon, Wed, Fri for four approximately 20 minutes per athlete.
We did have problems in fitting some of our larger muscled athletes. We have four or five athletes with very large leg muscles and they did have to spend many minutes rearranging their fit. However, they did range and used the product. We do recommend this product for increasing sprint speed and strengthening the upper quad group.