Importance of Horizontally Loaded Movements to Sports Performance

Abstract

THE USE OF VERTICALLY LOADED EXERCISES, SUCH AS THE BACK SQUAT, DEADLIFT, AND OLYMPIC-STYLE LIFTS, ARE COMMONLY PRESCRIBED BY STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONALS TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL QUALITIES OF ATHLETES. THESE METHODS HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED AS EFFECTIVE MEANS, MAINLY FOR NOVICE SUBJECTS, BUT THEIR EFFECTIVENESS AND TRANSFER HAS BEEN QUESTIONED IN MORE ADVANCED ATHLETES AND IN TRANSFER TO SPECIFIC PHYSICAL QUALITIES. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VERTICALLY LOADED EXERCISE TO ENHANCE SPRINTING SPEED AND CHANGE OF DIRECTION (COD) SPEED IS EQUIVOCAL IN ADVANCED ATHLETES, AND THE USE OF HORIZONTALLY LOADED MOVEMENT MAY HAVE BETTER TRANSFER FOR SPRINTING SPEED AND COD SPEED.

The Magical Horizontal Force Muscle? A Preliminary Study Examining the “Force-Vector” Theory

“…In an attempt to explain some of the differences that have been found in studies like those of Loturco et al [ 8 ] and Contreras et al [ 7 ], it has been common to refer to the so-called “force-vector” theory [ 9 , 10 ]. According to this theory, sports skills can be classified on the basis of the direction of force expression relative to the global (world fixed) coordinate frame.…”

The Deadlift -Part 1

“…Finally, in the deadlift, the load is applied perpendicular to the bodyand loadedin the horizontally plane, unlike the squat, which is a loaded in the vertical plane [3]. Horizontally loaded movements may be more beneficial for horizontally based sporting movements such as sprinting and long jump, which implies deadlifts may provide a greater transfer effect to these activities [3]. Taken as a whole, the results of this research suggests the biomechanical profile of the squat and deadlift.…”

“…In contrast,thedeadlift, however, the deadlift starts in a mechanically difficultposition, requiring the lifter to generatethe entire force needed to move the bar off the floor, without the assistance of the stretch shortening cycle [2]. Finally, in the deadlift, the load is applied perpendicular to the bodyand loadedin the horizontally plane, unlike the squat, which is a loaded in the vertical plane [3]. Horizontally loaded movements may be more beneficial for horizontally based sporting movements such as sprinting and long jump, which implies deadlifts may provide a greater transfer effect to these activities [3].…”

The health and performance benefits of the squat, deadlift, and bench press

“…Research has also found wider bench press grips stimulate more of the lower (sternal) pec attachments. 57 For the clavicular portion pectoralis major, it appears narrower grips may be more effective. Research indicates anterior deltoid activity is most significant during incline (30 to 45 degrees) bench presses.…”