International journal of sports physiology and performance | 2019
The Relationship Between Isometric Strength and Sprint Acceleration in Sprinters.
Abstract
PURPOSE\nThis investigation examined the relationships between the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), isometric squat (ISqT) and sprint acceleration performance in track & field sprinters, and to determine whether there are differences between males and females.\n\n\nMETHODS\nFifteen male and ten female sprinters performed 3 maximal effort IMTPs, ISqTs and 3 x 30 m from blocks.\n\n\nRESULTS\nAmong males, results showed significant negative correlations between IMTP and ISqT peak force, relative peak force, force at 100, 150 and 200 ms, rate of force development (0 - 150, 0 - 200 ms) and impulse (0 - 200 ms) and 0 - 5 m time (r = -0.517 to -0.714; P < 0.05). IMTP impulse significantly predicted 0 - 5 m time (B = -0.582, P = 0.023). ISqT relative peak force significantly predicted 0 - 5 m time (B = -0.606, P = 0.017). Among females, no IMTP or ISqT variables significantly correlated with any sprint times. Males measured significantly higher than females for all IMTP measures except for relative peak force. Males were significantly faster than females at all splits. When comparing measures of the ISqT, there were no significant differences between males and females.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nVariables measured during the IMTP and ISqT significantly correlated with 0 - 5 m sprint performance in male athletes. Isometric strength can have a sizable influence on 0 - 5 m time, but in some cases the maximum effect could be very small.