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Frontiers in Sport Research, 2026, 8(3); doi: 10.25236/FSR.2026.080302.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Different Lower-Limbs Complex Training for Sled Push in Hyrox Competitions

Author(s)

Fanghao Li1, Jiaojiao Xu2, Yu Liu3

Corresponding Author:
Yu Liu
Affiliation(s)

1Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia

2Shanghai Chuxin Fitness Studio, Shanghai, China

3Jixia Sports Technology Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China

Abstract

This research implemented an eight-week randomised controlled trial which was used to assess the influence of two different forms of training on Hyrox sled push performance. The sample comprised thirty male trained individuals who were randomly put into one of two groups: a conventional high load lower body strength training group (Modality A), or a sled push-specific training group (Modality B). In the main result, they measured the completion time in a standardized Hyrox sled push test, but also other parameters like 1 RM back squat, removal rate of blood lactate, and RPE. The study indicated that there was a significant interaction effect between group and time concerning every single measure of outcome. Although both groups improved, Modality B had a considerably greater impact on reducing sled push time and increasing lactate removal rate over Modality A. By contrast, Modality A brought about a substantially bigger increase in 1 RM back squat. The outcomes are quite strong as they show that the principle of training specificity applies here implying that the effect of training specificity on enhancing direct effect of Hyrox sled push performance and its related physiological and perceptual adaptations is better achieved through sled-push-specific training rather than through general strength training.

Keywords

sled push, Hyrox, specificity of training, randomized controlled trial, athletic performance

Cite This Paper

Fanghao Li, Jiaojiao Xu, Yu Liu. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Different Lower-Limbs Complex Training for Sled Push in Hyrox Competitions. Frontiers in Sport Research (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 3: 7-14. https://doi.org/10.25236/FSR.2026.080302.

References

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[3] Cohen, J. A power primer. Psychological Bulletin, 1992, 112(1), 155–159.

[4] HYROX. HYROX rulebook (Season 2025/26). Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://hyrox.com/rulebooks

[5] NSCA-National Strength & Conditioning Association, ed. Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Human kinetics, 2021.