Correlation of dynamic strength in the standing calf raise with sprinting performance in consecutive sections up to 30 meters

Abstract

Sprinting represents a result-relevant task in many sports. The correlation of sprinting performance and one-repetition maximum (1RM) in a squat has been assumed as assured. Results of the correlation with 1RM of the plantar flexors are still pending. Assuming an increasing relevance of the reactive working capacity with increasing distance, a decrease of the influence of maximum strength of the calves is conceivable. We investigated the correlation of 1RM in a calf raise and sprint performance in consecutive sections up to 30 meters. The results showed medium to strong, very significant correlations (p < 0.01) for absolute (r = -0.483 to r = -0.720) and relative (r = -0.460 to -0.577) strength, whereas an increase of the correlation throughout the course is observed. The dynamic maximum strength of the calves is a basic prerequisite for short sprints and should be regarded as a performance reserve.

The Influence of Maximum Strength Performance in Squats and Standing Calf Raises on Squat Jumps, Drop Jumps, and Linear and Change of Direction Sprint Performance in Youth Soccer Players

“…To the authors' knowledge, there are only two studies that have analyzed the correlation of maximum strength performance in SCR with jump or speed performance. Möck, et al [20] showed medium to strong correlations in their study for both the absolute (r 2 = −0.23 to r 2 = −0.52) and relative (r 2 = −0.21 to r 2 = −0.32) 1RM in SCR and the sprinting times for consecutive sections up to 30 meters. In their study, Hartmann, et al [21] showed a correlation between the maximum SCR performance and the SJ (r 2 = 0.44), CMJ (r 2 = 0.49) and DJ (r 2 = 0.13 -0.33) performance.…”

“…The time was measured for both sprint tests with a double-timing gate system (wk7 time watch, Ditzingen, Germany). The starting point was marked with a small cap 0.75 meters away from the starting gate to avoid LS and COD performance [10,11,13,20]. Considering the results of the two maximum strength tests and their correlation coefficients with jump and sprint performance, the following observation was made: The 1RM BS coefficients for the variables SJ, 20-m LS and COD are substantially higher than the coefficients of 1RM SCR.…”

Using Long-Duration Static Stretch Training to Counteract Strength and Flexibility Deficits in Moderately Trained Participants

“…Malliares et al [ 61 ] demonstrated the importance of well-trained dorsiflexion mobility in jumping performance in volleyball players to reduce the risk of patellar tendinopathy, while Keiner et al [ 62 ] and Möck et al [ 63 ] showed a moderate influence of MSt in the calf muscle on jumping performance and sprinting performance in elite sports. As there are high injury incidence rates of up to 17% in professional sports related to the ankle and thighs, there is a high relevance of the calf muscle and the ankle joint in athletic performance and should, therefore, be addressed in the prevention and rehabilitation.…”

Association between Sprint and Jump Performance and Maximum Strength in Standing Calf Raise or Squat in Elite Youth Soccer Players

“…Despite this generally accepted understanding, there is limited research directly testing the influence of plantar flexor muscle strength on performance in SSC activities. One of the few correlational studies, which was performed in a sample of physical education students, reported moderate to strong correlations between calf raise strength and sprint performance [ 14 ].…”