2025

Enhancing 100- Meter Sprint Performance Through Harness And Interval Training With Earthing: Evidence From Collegiate Male Athletes

Author(s): Ramya Namburi, Dr. Kiran G. N

Abstract

Background:
Sprint performance is crucial for athletes in many sports. While harness and interval training are proven strategies for increasing speed, the additional role of “earthing” training barefoot on natural ground has not been widely studied.
Purpose:
This study compared the effects of harness training with earthing (HTE)and interval training with earthing (ITE) on 100-meter sprint performance in male collegiate athletes.
Methods:
Sixty healthy male college athletes (ages 18 - 24) were randomly assigned to HTE, ITE, or a control group (n = 20 each).Both training groups completed five days per week of structured barefoot sprint training for 16 weeks, followed by dedicated earthing sessions. The control group continued their usual routines. 100m sprint times were recorded before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Scheffé’s post hoc tests.
Results:
Both THE and ITE groups achieved significant improvements in 100m sprint times compared to the control group. The ITE group improved the most (mean reduction = 0.90 s), followed by HTE (0.81 s), while the control group’s change was minimal (0.10 s). ANCOVA confirmed a significant group effect (F(2, 56) =145.43, p<0.001, η²=0.980),with post hoc analysis indicating ITE outperformed HTE (mean difference = 0.095 s, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both harness and interval training, when combined with earthing, substantially enhance 100m sprint performance. Interval training with earthing may offer an added advantage and is recommended for athletes and coaches aiming for optimal sprint results. Keywords: sprint performance, interval training, harness training, earthing, collegiate athletes