Addition of Glute-Ham-Gastroc Raise to a Resistance Training Program: Effect on Jump Propulsion and Landing

Abstract

Chiu LZF, Yaremko A, and vonGaza GL. Addition of glute-ham-gastroc raise to a resistance training program: effect on jump propulsion and landing. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2562-2571, 2017-Exercises such as squats and cleans are commonly used in resistance training programs to enhance athletic performance. However, these exercises may not effectively train the gastrocnemius, an important muscle for energy generation and absorption. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of adding glute-ham-gastroc raise exercise to target the gastrocnemius to a traditional resistance training program involving squats and cleans. Vertical jump height, weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion, and jump propulsion and landing mechanics were examined before and after an 8-week training intervention in female youth volleyball players. Approach (with: [INCREMENT] = 2.6 ± 1.7 cm; 90% confidence interval [CI] [1.8-3.6 cm] vs. without: [INCREMENT] = 1.8 ± 1.9 cm; 90% CI [0.8-2.8 cm]) and standing (with: [INCREMENT] = 2.7 ± 1.7 cm; 90% CI [1.7-3.6 cm] vs. without: [INCREMENT] = 1.6 ± 1.5 cm; 90% CI [0.8-2.4 cm]) vertical jump height increased more in the group performing glute-ham-gastroc raise. Weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion increased when glute-ham-gastroc raise was included (left: [INCREMENT] = 4.1 ± 4.1°; 90% CI [1.9-6.4°] and right: [INCREMENT] = 4.1 ± 3.9°; 90% CI [1.9-6.2°]) but did not appear to change with resistance training only (left: [INCREMENT] = 1.4 ± 4.5°; 90% CI [-1.0 to 3.9°] and right: [INCREMENT] = 2.5 ± 4.4°; [-0.3 to 4.5°]). No discernible differences were observed for changes in jump propulsion and landing mechanics between groups. Glute-ham-gastroc raise may have a beneficial effect with young athletes when added to squat- and clean-based resistance training programs.

Reporting of Adverse Events in Muscle Strengthening Interventions in Youth: A Systematic Review

“…Forty-four articles were retained for quantitative analyses. Of these, authors of 18 studies (40.9%) noted at least one adverse event resulting from the MST intervention (10,12,16,17,24,36,38,39,51,56,62,65,(68)(69)(70)74,75,77), and 26 primary sources (59.1%) included a clear statement that no AEs occurred during the study (6)(7)(8)(9)14,19,21,23,(25)(26)(27)31,35,(41)(42)(43)45,46,50,53,57,59,60,64,67,72). Tables 1 and 2 provide a description of primary study information including authors, design, sample size, participant characteristics, and an overview of the MST reported.…”

“…The following key search terms were used: "strength training" OR "resistance training" OR "weight training" OR "plyometric training" OR "power training" OR "strength exercise" OR "resistance exercise" OR "weightlifting." Where possible, searches were limited to "English," "peer reviewed," "journal article," "child (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)," and "adolescent (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)." Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs were included.…”

“…A total of 93 AEs were reported of which 55 (59.1%) were studyrelated (16,36,38,39,51,62,65,(68)(69)(70)74,75) and 37 (39.8%) were nonstudy-related (10,12,17,56,69,75,77). One AE (1.1%) was not clearly reported as study-or nonstudy-related (24).…”

Comparison of Alternative Methods to Improve Weight-Bearing Sagittal Plane Anterior Leg Rotation

“…High reliability has been established for the weight-bearing lunge test (Intraclass correlation [ICC] 5 0.93-0.97) (4,32). Chiu et al (10) reported average anterior leg rotations of approximately 30°6 5°u sing this test. Therefore, potential subjects were considered to have restricted anterior leg rotation if they had 25°or less anterior leg rotation for both limbs (i.e., mean minus 1SD).…”

“…An increase in gastrocnemius strength could increase force exerted by the calcaneal tendon resulting in greater rearfoot plantar flexion. Previously, Chiu et al (10) reported that although multijoint weight training alone had no effect, addition of gastrocnemius training increased anterior leg rotation in the weightbearing lunge test.…”