Effect of a sprint training protocol on acceleration performance in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Fast-start acceleration performance of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was measured after 9 weeks of sprint training (30 s duration, every 2nd day). Response latency and time required to complete the first two stages of a fast start were unaffected by the sprint-training protocol. Maximum acceleration (trained 1985 +/- 176 (SE) cm/s2; control 1826 +/- 144 cm/s2) and maximum velocity (trained 130 +/- 7 cm/s; control 134 +/- 14 cm/s) were also not significantly different following training. However, trained fish reached high rates of acceleration before control (untrained) fish. Thus, acceleration was higher in trained fish from 20 to 35 ms postshock. When fish are separated by start type, trained fish consistently had greater acceleration than control fish between 30 and 45 ms postshock. Alterations in fast-start performance due to sprint training may improve predator avoidance ability. Sprint training did not change critical swimming speed as measured using two separate protocols.