Effects of different velocity loss thresholds during resistance training on jump and sprint performance in trained populations: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.

Purpose: To systematically evaluate the effects of different velocity loss (VL) thresholds during resistance training on jump and sprint performance in trained populations and to examine potential moderators. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception through April 10, 2026. Randomized controlled trials meeting the prespecified PICOS criteria were included. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate Hedges' g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), accounting for dependence among multiple effect sizes within studies. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using RoB 2 and GRADE, respectively. Results: Twelve randomized controlled trials comprising 42 effect sizes were included. Lower VL thresholds produced a small but statistically significant favorable effect on combined jump and sprint performance compared with higher VL thresholds (g=0.29, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.42, p<0.001), with negligible heterogeneity ( Conclusions: Lower VL thresholds may confer small favorable effects on jump and sprint performance in trained populations, with clearer evidence for countermovement jump and selected sprint outcomes. However, the effects were not consistent across all outcomes, and the certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. Lower VL may therefore be considered as one potential option for speed-power-oriented resistance training rather than a universally superior prescription. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD420261396083.