International Journal of Strength and Conditioning

Effects of Co-Contraction Training on Neuromuscular Outcomes of Elbow Flexors and Extensors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Marina Mello Villalba — 2024-01-05

Co-contraction training has been proposed to improve muscle strength in the absence of external equipment, yet it is needed to elucidate the effects of co-contraction training and its applicability. Thus, we synthesized the effects of co-contraction training on elbow muscle strength, myoelectric activity, and muscle thickness. We searched papers from MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase databases. The inclusion criteria were studies comprising adults between 18-64 years old; investigating chronic effects of co-contraction training on elbow muscles; comparing pre- and post-intervention or control values; presenting any of the outcomes; randomized, quasi-experimental, pre- and post-design; in English. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA recommendations. We used the revised RoB 2, ROBINS-I to verify the level of evidence. We also included a questionnaire for biomechanical studies and GRADE analysis. We extracted data independently by two investigators, considering the characteristics of study, participants and training, outcomes, and results. We calculated the effect sizes for each outcome. The analysis was carried out by combining and dividing flexors and extensors in a subgroup analysis. Comparing the experimental vs. control group, our results showed that cocontraction training increased isometric strength (SMD=0.51 [0.19, 0.83]) and agonist myoelectric activity (SMD=0.54 [0.25, 0.83]). Comparing pre- vs. post-training, co-contraction training also improved isometric strength (SMD=1.28 [0.75, 1.81]); concentric elbow extensor strength (SMD=0.64 [0.01, 1.26]); and myoelectric activity (SMD=0.46 [0.18, 0.73]). No effect was observed for muscle thickness. The co-contraction training improves muscle performance without morphological changes.

Physiological and Performance Adaptations to Interval Training in Endurance-Trained Cyclists: An Exploratory Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bernardo Norte — 2024-01-12

Background: In endurance cycling, both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) have become popular training modalities due to their ability to elicit improvements in performance. Studies have attempted to ascertain which form of interval training might be more beneficial for maximising cycling performance as well as a range of physiological parameters, but an amalgamation of results which explores the influence of different interval training programming variables in trained cyclists has not yet been conducted.

Objective: The aims of this study were to: (1) systematically investigate training interventions to determine which training modality, HIIT, SIT or low- to moderate-intensity continuous training (LIT/MICT), leads to greater physiological and performance adaptations in trained cyclists; and (2) determine the moderating effects of interval work-bout duration and intervention length on the overall HIIT/SIT programme.

Data Sources: Electronic database searches were conducted using SPORTDiscus and PubMed.

Study Selection: Inclusion criteria were: (1) at least recreationally-trained cyclists aged 18–49 years (maximum/peak oxygen uptake [V̇O_2max/V̇O_2peak] ≥45 mL·kg^-1·min^-1); (2) training interventions that included a HIIT or SIT group and a control group (or two interval training groups for direct comparisons); (3) minimum intervention length of 2 weeks; (4) interventions that consisted of 2–3 weekly interval training sessions.

Results: Interval training leads to small improvements in all outcome measures combined (overall main effects model, SMD: 0.33 [95%CI = 0.06 to 0.60]) when compared to LIT/MICT in trained cyclists. At the individual level, point estimates favouring HIIT/SIT were negligible (Wingate model: 0.01 [95%CI = -3.56 to 3.57]), trivial (relative V̇O_2max/V̇O_2peak: 0.10 [95%CI = -0.34 to 0.54]), small (absolute V̇O_2max/V̇O_2peak: 0.28 [95%CI = 0.15 to 0.40], absolute maximum aerobic power/peak power output: 0.38 [95%CI = 0.15 to 0.61], relative absolute maximum aerobic power/peak power output: 0.43 [95%CI = -0.09 to 0.95], physiological thresholds: 0.46 [95%CI = -0.24 to 1.17]), and large (time-trial/time-to-exhaustion: 0.96 [95%CI = -0.81 to 2.73]) improvements in physiological/performance variables compared to controls, with very imprecise interval estimates for most outcomes. In addition, intervention length did not contribute significantly to the improvements in outcome measures in this population, as the effect estimate was only trivial (β_Duration: 0.04 [ 95%CI = -0.07 to 0.15]). Finally, the network meta-analysis did not reveal a clear superior effect of any HIIT/SIT types when directly comparing interval training differing in interval work-bout duration.

Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis indicate that both HIIT and SIT are effective training modalities to elicit physiological adaptations and performance improvements in trained cyclists. Our analyses highlight that the optimisation of interval training prescription in trained cyclists cannot be solely explained by interval type or interval work-bout duration and an individualised approach that takes into account the training/competitive needs of the athlete is warranted.

Velocity-Specific Relationships Among Eccentric and Concentric Force Velocity Profiles and Jumping Performance

Leland Barker — 2024-01-19

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships among force velocity profiles during eccentric only movements (eFVP), concentric only movements (cFVP), and dynamic performance during a countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ). Nineteen collegiate baseball players (1.85 ± 0.04 m, 86.4 ± 8.2 kg, 21.1 ± 1.8 years) from a single NCAA Division I team performed CMJ, SJ, and DJ, drop landings from varying heights, and hex bar jumps with varying weights. FVPs were created with a linear regression using the drop landings for eFVP and hex bar jumps for cFVP, which were used to calculate slopes and area under the entire FVP and velocity-specific regions. Correlations analyzed the results with bootstrapping for 95% confidence intervals. Area under eFVP correlated with cFVP at r=0.51 (p<0.05), cFVP slope presented strong correlations with CMJ height and DJ height while eFVP slopes did not relate to jumping performance or metrics. Area under the faster regions of cFVP and eFVP produced moderate and strong relationships to jumping performance. The area under the FVP, especially when separated into velocity-specific bands, may be a key metric which can audit or provide insight into velocity-based training program effectiveness and athlete comparisons.

The Reliability of the Titan 1+ 10 Hz Global Positioning System for Measures of Distance and Distance within Speed Zones

Victoria Elia — 2024-01-26

Introduction: This experiment was designed to investigate the inter and intra-unit reliability of the Titan 1+ 10 Hz global positioning system (GPS) for measures of distance and distance within speed zones during straight-line and change of direction running at varying distances and speeds, as well as during a team-sport simulated circuit.

Methods and Materials: 16 male NCAA collegiate soccer players completed running protocols of varying distances and speeds, including long and short duration straight-line running (100m Run and SLR), tight and gradual change of direction running (COD T and COD G), and a team-sport simulated circuit (TSSC).

Results: Between Titan 1+ devices, good to moderate interunit reliability was established for distance measures during the 100m run (%CV = 1.31). Moderate to high-speed movements for 20m SLR (5.2 – 7.4%), and all movements speed across the 40m SLR (3.5 – 4.5%). Good interunit reliability for distance measures was also established during both COD courses (2.04 – 3.6%). Good to moderate interunit reliability for distance within speed zones was established for COD G speed zone 4 (%CV = 6.8%) and COD T in speed band 3 (%CV = 7.1%). Moderate to excellent intraunit reliability was reported for distance within speed zones 2 and 3 during SLR (p < 0.05), with moderate intraunit reliability for 10m (.605 ICC, p = .004) and 40m (.620 ICC, p = .007). During the COD G, distance intraunit reliability was moderate for jogging and sprinting (.649 ICC, p = .004; .649 ICC, p = .002, respectively). Distances within speed zones 2 and 3 during COD G intraunit reliability was excellent for zone 2 (.956 ICC, p < .001) and zone 3 (.905, p < .001). During the TSSC, intraunit reliability was good for lap distance (.805 ICC, p < .001). Good intraunit reliability was reported for distance in speed zone 2 (.840 ICC, p < .001) and excellent for zone 3 (.919 ICC, p < .001) and zone 4 (.901 ICC, p < .001).

Conclusions: The present study is known to be the first to investigate the intra-unit reliability of distance measures during a team-sport simulated circuit. The findings suggest that the Titan 1+ provides good intraunit reliability for measures of distance and good to excellent intraunit reliability for measures of distance within speed zones during the TSSC. Further, the Titan 1+ produced reliable distance measures across all running protocols both within and between devices.

Vertical Jump and Relative Strength are Strongly Associated with Change of Direction in Professional Male Basketball Players

Stefano Benitez Flores — 2024-02-02

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of change of direction (COD) in highly trained/national level male basketball players using field assessments.

Methods: Eight professional male basketball players (age: 24.0 ± 5.5 years; body mass index (BMI): 24.1 ± 1.6 kg m^-2) volunteered for participation in this study. All the evaluations were carried out during 2 sessions as follows: First day_1) body composition, 2) unilateral and bilateral squat jump (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ), and 3) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1); Second day_1) COD performance, and 2) one repetition maximum (1RM) hang clean (HC) and bench press (BP). A linear regression was performed to evaluate the determinants of COD amongst all other measured variables. Furthermore, we applied Pearson correlation coefficient and in the case of non-normally distributed variables, Spearman’s correlation coefficient for the selected variables.

Results: The linear regression indicated that only SJ height was a significant determinant of COD (R2 = 58.8%, p = 0.016). Significant correlations were identified between COD test and SJ (r = -0.75, p = 0.034; very large), and relative HC 1 RM (r = -0.74, p = 0.038; very large).

Conclusions: The associations found between COD performance and physical parameters should be considered when developing athletic conditioning programs. Especially, the vertical jump height could explain the greatest variability in COD performance..

Job Characteristics of National Collegiate Athletic Association Strength and Conditioning Coaches: A Systematic Review

Yuming Zhong — 2024-02-09

This systematic review investigated the job characteristics of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs). Three databases were searched (Web of Science, EBSCO, and PubMed) until 12th January 2023. Eligible studies had to meet four criteria: (a) written in English, (b) published in a peer–reviewed journal, as a report on an official website, or a master/doctoral dissertation, (c) reported the demographic and job information of NCAA SCCs, and (d) complete data for at least one common question across two studies were available. Fifteen studies (n = 2,455 SCCs) were included. All studies adopted similar survey designs and questions, providing a basis for comparison. The results of this systematic review reveal that from 1989–2022, the age, race, and gender characteristics of SCCs were similar, lacking diversity, but academic degrees, majors, certifications, job titles, and salaries differed. This study provides valuable information for those looking to work in the NCAA as SCCs or those with existing roles to develop into more senior positions. Furthermore, This study will support employers in creating more informed job descriptors and employment strategies. Finally, based on our findings we propose a consolidated survey based on prior research to enable continuous and longitudinal investigations of SCCs working in NCAA sports.

Maturation and Bio-Banding in Youth Soccer Players: Insights from Turkish Male Academy across U-10 to U-15 Age

Seyed Houtan Shahidi — 2024-02-16

Soccer academies are vital in identifying and nurturing young talent for senior-level competition. Relative age and biological maturation influence player performance and selection in youth soccer. While often grouped by Chronological Age (CA), variations within a CA category can lead to differences in maturation, with the Relative Age Effect (RAE) favoring older players' performance. Maturation, marked by physical and cognitive development, can significantly affect performance. Therefore, this study examined the interrelations between relative age, maturation status, and bio-banding in youth soccer players in U10 to U15 age cohorts. This study examined 60 male soccer players aged 10 to 15 (mean ± standard deviation; age: 12.6 ± 1.7 years; Weight: 49 ± 15.1 kg; Height: 157.2 ± 12.8 cm; sitting height: 69.7 ± 6.7 cm), assessing anthropometric measurements, maturation status, and physical performance. Players' physical attributes and performance levels were influenced by their maturation status rather than their relative age, with maturation-related disparities in strength and jump performance observed among age groups. Bio-banding, a strategy categorizing players by maturation status, created more equitable groups with homogenized physical attributes and performance. Early-maturing players showed advantages in physical attributes, while late-maturing players displayed enhanced leadership and self-confidence. Understanding maturation status is crucial for accurate performance assessment and equitable player grouping in youth soccer. This study underscores the significance of considering maturation status as a distinct determinant in evaluating young soccer players.

Forearm Position Influences Triceps Brachii Activation During Triceps Push-Down Exercise

Marina Mello Villalba — 2024-02-23

Introduction: This study investigated the influence of forearm position (supinated or pronated) on the EMG activity of the triceps brachii lateralis head (TLA), triceps brachii longus head (TLO), flexor carpi radialis (FR), and extensor carpi radialis (ER) muscles during the triceps push-down exercise. Also, we analyzed the effect of different grips (handle vs standard padded pulley strap) to verify EMG activity of these muscles. Methods: Twenty-two adults participated in this study. They performed the single-arm triceps push-down exercise in four conditions: pronated forearm with handle (PRON-H), supinated forearm with handle (SUP-H), pronated forearm with standard padded pulley strap (PRON-S), and supinated forearm with standard padded pulley strap (SUP-S). Surface electrodes were placed over the TLA, TLO, FR, and ER on the dominant side. Results: The TLO showed higher EMG activity for SUP-H compared to all other conditions (p<0.001). Also, the FR EMG activity was higher with PRON-H condition (p<0.001), while the ER EMG activity was higher with SUP-H condition (p<0.001). Regarding the number of repetitions, participants performed fewer repetitions in the SUP-H condition compared to the PRON-H (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the position of the forearm during the triceps push-down exercise has a significant impact on the recruitment of specific muscles and overall exercise performance.

Percentile Rankings And Normalization Of Performance For International Weightlifting Federation World Championships Competitors

Zachary Gillen — 2024-03-01

The present study provided percentile rankings and gender and weight class comparisons, for absolute and allometrically scaled Olympic Weightlifting (OW) performance, as well as Sinclair scores, for International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships competitors. Data from the IWF Senior World Championships for 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 were compiled. OW performance was allometrically scaled for body weight, and Sinclair scores were calculated based on IWF standards. Percentile rankings and gender and weight class differences were computed for absolute and allometrically scaled OW performance measures, as well as Sinclair scores. This study provided percentile rank values for absolute, allometrically scaled, and Sinclair scored OW performance with the weight classes implemented in 2018 by the IWF. OW performance increased with weight class. When allometrically scaled, the lightest and heaviest weight classes had the lowest OW performance, while Sinclair scores were similar across weight class. Men remained stronger than women for allometrically scaled clean & jerk and total, which was similar for gender-related comparisons of Sinclair scores, while allometrically scaled snatch was similar for men and women. The present results provide coaches and practitioners percentile rankings and allometric parameters that may be used to assess OW performance for elite-level weightlifting competitors.

Change Of Direction Actions in Goal Scoring Situations in Male and Female Professional Soccer

David Martinez Hernandez — 2024-03-08

The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency of change of direction (COD) actions in goal scoring situations. Data was collected through time motion analysis of goal scoring actions from teams participating in English Premier League (EPL) and Women’s Super League (WSL) during the 2018/2019 season using a modified version of the Bloomfield Movement Classification with differences analysed through chi-square (p < 0.05).

In (total percentage [95% CI] 71.6% (±1.7%) and 70.6% (±3.1%) of players involvements in EPL and WSL there was a COD action. For EPL and WSL, respectively, attackers performed COD actions in 71.9% (±2.3%) and 72.9% (±4.1%) of the involvements while defenders in 71.2% (±2.6%) and 67.8% (±4.7%). In 56.1% (±1.9%) and 57.1% (±3.3%) of the involvements there was at least 1 COD action performed at high intensity for EPL and WSL, respectively.

Soccer players are frequently exposed to different COD actions during goal involvements, with these being performed frequently at high intensity and so, this physical ability could play an important role in the performance outcomes of a match. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on increasing player’s COD speed capabilities taking into account the tendency for specific COD actions for different players’ based on their roles.

Differences in Female Lift Quality During Back Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift Compared to Standardized Percent of 1RM and Repetitions Allowed

Andy Wolfe — 2024-03-15

The purpose of the study was to examine the difference between the current norm repetition-intensity recommendations and the performed repetitions of females at concurrent intensities. Females (n = 17) with six-months of consistent resistance training experience completed five testing sessions. Session-one consists of one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for the squat (SQ), bench press (BP), and deadlift (DL). Sessions 2-5 involved repetition-maximum testing at 65, 75, 85, and 95% 1RM, in the order of SQ, BP, then DL, with 10-15 minutes of rest between exercises. A 3 (exercise) x 4 (percentage-intensity) Mixed Factorial ANOVA determined significant differences in repetitions performed between exercises at each intensity level. A series of one-sample t-tests were performed to indicate female differences between established target repetitions for each exercise across all intensities (65% = 15, 75% = 10, 85% = 6, 95% = 2). Significance level was set at p < .05. There was no significant main effect (p=0.14) between repetitions completed during SQ, BP, or DL at 65% (26.1±6.8, 21.3±6.8, 23.4±6.3, respectively), 75% (18.0±6.2, 14.4±4.2, 15.7±4.7, respectively), 85% (10.3±3.7, 9.0±4.6, 9.6±4.1, respectively), nor 95% 1RM (4.1±2.4, 2.5±2.0, 3.4±2.0, respectively). No significant difference was recognized (p = 0.09) between current norms and female BP repetitions at 95%. Significantly higher repetitions were completed by females at all other percentages during SQ, BP, and DL. These results suggest different resistance training intensity-repetition ratios should be prescribed for females in comparison to current norms; meriting future research aimed at establishing a sex-specific intensity-repetition ratio.

The Effect of Hip Flexor Tightness on Muscle Activity during the Front Squat

Sarah C. Martinez-Sepanski — 2024-03-22

The purpose of this study was to compare peak and mean surface electromyography (sEMG) in the rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) muscles, and GM:BF muscle co-activation ratio during front squat between resistance trained females with and without hip flexor tightness. Peak and mean sEMG was recorded during three repetitions of 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) front squat of resistance trained females who either had hip flexor tightness (n = 9) or did not have hip flexor tightness (n = 7). Observed mean sEMG of the GM and BF was used to calculate GM:BF muscle co-activation. The result of the independent samples t-test indicated a statistically significant difference in peak RF (p = .013), peak (p = .001) and mean (p = .045) BF, and GM:BF muscle co-activation (p = .042) between those with and without hip flexor tightness during the ascending phase of a 75% 1RM front squat. The results indicate the RF and BF to be more active in resistance trained females with hip flexor tightness than those without hip flexor tightness during the front squat, potentially lowering GM activation relative to the BF. Fitness professionals should consider providing a hip flexor stretching interventions to prevent over activation of the BF when selecting the front squat as a resistance training exercise.

The Relationship Between Maximum Lower Limb Strength & Power, and GPS Acceleration Speed in Elite U20 Gaelic Football Athletes

Michael O'Driscoll — 2024-03-29

Previous research indicates positive relationships between high levels of lower limb strength and power, and acceleration sprint velocity in team sport athletes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between lower limb absolute and relative strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and Global Positioning System (GPS) recorded 20m acceleration sprint velocity in elite male U-20 Gaelic football athletes. Nineteen athletes (19.0 ± 0.5 years; 81.1 ± 5.5 kg; 182 ± 6.2 cm) from the same elite U-20 squad participated in this study during an in-season period. Subjects performed a >95% 1RM box squat, a 20m sprint test, and a CMJ test. Relative maximum lower limb strength (r = 0.54, 95% CI [0.11 to 0.8]; p < 0.05) and CMJ height (r = 0.66, 95% CI [0.29 to 0.86]; p < 0.001) showed strong correlations with 20m sprint velocity. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that lower limb maximum relative strength and CMJ height significantly predicted 20m sprint velocity (Adjusted R² = 0.51, F (2, 16) = 6.29, p < 0.05). These findings provide evidence for the importance of elite under-age Gaelic football athletes acquiring high levels of lower limb strength and power characteristics to enhance acceleration sprint performance.

Weighted Vest Load Arrangement and Data Normalization Effects on Lower Limb Biomechanics During Countermovement Jump Landings

Juan Baus — 2024-04-05

This paper assessed the weighted vest load arrangement and data normalization method effects on ground reaction forces (GRF), joint kinematics, and joint kinetics during the landing portion of the countermovement jump. Vertical GRF and sagittal kinematic data were obtained from 12 males and 12 females during countermovement jump-landings in 4 different loading arrangements (unloaded, 10% body mass load placed anteriorly, posteriorly, and split anterior/posterior). Two methods (body mass vs. mass*landing height) were used to normalize joint torques to determine whether common mass-normalization (type A) yielded different results than a jump-landing specific mass*landing height normalization (type B) in statistical significance. Mixed-model analyses of variance (α=0.05) and effect sizes (ES) were used to assess differences between sexes and loading conditions for each normalization method. Results show that for normalization A, significant statistical differences were found between sexes for peak vertical GRF, hip moment, and knee moment. Pooled sex peak vertical GRF and hip moments showed significant differences when comparing the unloaded with the back and front-loaded conditions. For normalization B, the peak vertical GRF also showed significant differences between men and women but with smaller effect sizes. Only the hip moment showed significant differences for both normalization methods but changed the magnitude of its effect sizes. Results suggest that different normalization methods could be considered for joint moments or GRF depending on the nature of the statistical significance of jump height.

Acute Effects of Different Inter-Repetition Rest Intervals During ‘Composite’ Training on Fast Stretch-Shortening Cycle and Neuromuscular Performance in Hurling Players: A Pilot Study

Luke Atkins — 2024-04-12

One study to date has compared inter-repetition rest intervals when employing ‘composite’ training. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of 2-, 3- and 4-mins ‘composite’ training inter-repetition rest intervals on fast stretch shortening cycle (SSC) and neuromuscular performance. A randomized crossover research design was employed. Drop jump (DJ), 20m sprint (with 5 and 10m splits), countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) tests were performed pre-session, post-session, and 7 days post-session to observe if supercompensation occurred. A 2-min rest interval showed enhancements in fast SSC DJ performance where supercompensation may have occurred in height, velocity, force and power (Cohen’s d = 0.22-0.55). A 3-minute rest interval elicited responses in 5 and 20m sprint performance (Cohen’s d = -0.29 to -0.30) and isometric RFD (Cohen’s d = 0.35-0.60) 7 days post-session. CMJ measures (Cohen’s d = 0.22-0.76) appeared to have experienced supercompensation when employing a 4-minute rest period. Significant (p < 0.05) decreases in performance pre- to post-session were found for certain sprint, CMJ and IMTP variables. The ‘composite’ training inter-repetition rest interval used, appears dependent on the primary goal of a training cycle. However, a 3-min rest interval may be used if there are multiple goals of a training cycle due to enhancements in sprint performance, isometric RFD and CMJ height. ‘Composite’ training is a time-efficient method of enhancing jump, sprint, and maximal strength, which is suitable for practitioners working in sports such as hurling where time is limited.

Variability in Limb Occlusion Pressures Across Visits and Between Limbs in Collegiate Soccer and Cross Country Athletes

Alexander Montoye — 2024-04-19

Our study assessed limb occlusion pressure (LOP) variability over time and between limbs. Collegiate athletes (n=42; Sample 1 = 15 soccer players, Sample 2 = 13 cross country runners, Sample 3 = 14 cross country runners) attended five visits separated by ≥48 hours (Sample 1), three visits separated by ~3 weeks each (Sample 2), or four visits separated by ~3 weeks each (Sample 3). For all samples, supine LOP was assessed in each leg (and also in each arm for Sample 3) using an automated system. Paired samples t-tests or RMANOVA were used to compare LOP between limbs and across trials, respectively. Additionally, agreement and variability across measures were assessed using intraclass correlations and mean absolute percent differences (MAPD). There were no significant differences in LOP across visits for any of the samples, with primarily moderate or good agreement (intraclass correlations r=0.29-0.88) and low variability (MAPD 4.3-9.0%). There were no significant differences in LOP between left and right limbs, with moderate to good agreement (r=0.74-0.93) and low variability (MAPD 3.2-7.2%). The demonstrated stability in LOP over time and between sides of the body suggests that LOP may not always need to be measured daily or bilaterally, adding feasibility to field-based implementation.

The Association of Countermovement Jump, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, and On-Ice Sprint Performance in University Level Female and Male Ice Hockey Athletes

Stephen Cornish — 2024-04-26

On-ice skating sprint performance is a significant predictor and requirement for playing at the highest levels of hockey. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maximum and dynamic strength measures and on-ice sprint performance in university level ice hockey athletes. Both male (n=18) and female (n=13) hockey players participated in this study. The off-ice measures included two assessment procedures utilizing a force plate; an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) to assess maximum strength and a countermovement jump (CMJ) to assess dynamic strength. Both off-ice measures were analyzed from both a relative (CMJr and IMTPr) and absolute (CMJa and IMTPa) perspective. The on-ice measures were 7.71m and 15.42m sprint times. Pearson product moment correlations were used to quantify the relationships between variables. CMJa (r = -0.56 to -0.61), IMTPa (r = -0.65 to -0.67) and IMTPr (r = -0.55) were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with on-ice sprint performance. When analyzed by sex, no significant relationships (p > 0.05) were observed between CMJ measures and on-ice sprint times. No significant relationships (p > 0.05) were observed between IMTP measures and on-ice sprint times when individually analyzing male participants, while significant relationships (p < 0.05) were observed in females between IMTPa (r = -0.70 to -0.71) and IMTPr (r = -0.68 to -0.71) and on-ice sprint times. It is concluded that both maximum and dynamic strength are important factors in on-ice sprint performance in hockey players. Furthermore, maximum strength seems to be an important characteristic in on-ice sprint ability in females.