The relationship between isometric mid-thigh pull variables and athletic performance measures: empirical study of English professional soccer players and meta-analysis of extant literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is currently limited evidence available to support the use of the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) within professional soccer. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between IMTP variables, with common markers of athletic performance capability. METHODS: Eleven professional development soccer players (age: 20 ± 2 years, stature: 1.82 ± 0.10 m, mass: 76.4 ± 12.8 kg) performed IMTP, 5 m and 10 m accelerations, maximal sprint speed (MSS), countermovement jump (CMJ), and the 505 change of direction test (COD).RESULTS: Relative and absolute Peak force (PF) and force at 50, 100, 150 and 200 ms values were measured during the IMTP. Relative F150, F200, PF displayed large to very large correlations with MSS (r = 0.51, r = 0.66, and r = 0.76 respectively), while absolute PF also displayed a large correlation with MSS (r = 0.57). Relative and absolute PF showed large correlations with CMJ height (r = 0.54 and r = 0.55 respectively). Relative F150 and F200 highlighted large correlations with COD ability (r = -0.68 and r = -0.60 respectively). Relative F200 and PF had a large negative correlation with 10m acceleration (r = -0.55 and r = -0.53 respectively).CONCLUSION: This study provides an important contribution to knowledge within the area of IMTP testing in professional soccer by evidencing the prominence of the isometric force generating capacity as an underpinning factor in relation to athletic capability.

A comparative study of 8-week complex training and resistance training on athletic performance of amateur futsal players

“…Conversely, a positive correlation emerged between lower limb power, as measured by the CMJ, and lower limb isometric strength, quantified through the IMTP), with a correlation coefficient of 0.57. These findings align with outcomes reported in previous studies after implementing CT programs (Mason et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2022;Qiao et al, 2022). For instance, Comfort and others, in their study with elite 17-year-old soccer players, identified a similarly strong negative correlation between maximal strength and 20-m sprint times, with a coefficient of −0.64 (Comfort et al, 2014).…”

“…For instance, Comfort and others, in their study with elite 17-year-old soccer players, identified a similarly strong negative correlation between maximal strength and 20-m sprint times, with a coefficient of −0.64 (Comfort et al, 2014). Additionally, a substantial correlation between IMTP and CMJ was documented in another investigation, reinforcing the theory that augmentations in lower-body strength positively influence sprint performance and lower limb power (Mason et al, 2021). Therefore, the CT approach, which emphasizes high-load resistance training combined with plyometric exercises, is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing sprint performance and the power of the lower limbs.…”

The Influence of Maximum Squatting Strength on Jump and Sprint Performance: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 492 Youth Soccer Players

“…Maximum strength, as a basic strength ability, positively influences the performance of explosive strength [29]. Several studies have analyzed the relationships between maximum strength and sprint or jump performance in soccer [30][31][32][33][34][35][36], utilizing various methods including isometrics (r = |0.23-0.80|) [30,34,37,38], isokinetics (r = |0.22-0.48|) [34], and free-weight squats (r = |0.28-0.94|) [30][31][32]34,36]. The findings in previous studies suggest an influence of absolute (r = |0.02-0.94|) [30,32,34,36,[39][40][41][42][43] and relative strength (maximum strength performance divided by body weight [REL], r = |0.01-0.72|) [30,32,42,43] on various sprinting and jumping performances.…”

Progressive Loading in a Strongman Following Distal Biceps Repair: Re-Thinking Load Progression – A Case Report

“…4 The IMTP is a useful exercise in rehabilitation because it has been correlated to athletic capabilities of strength, maximal sprint speed, countermovement jump, and change of direction tests. [33][34][35] Bench press as well as barbell military press were initiated at six weeks post-op due to the subject's previous experience and desired goals as well as the limited involvement of the bicep in these activities. Saeterbakken and colleagues 36 previously found that that flat bench press resulted in 48.3%-68.7% less bicep activity than incline bench position and that a narrow grip (biacromial distance) elicited lower bicep loads than a wide grip (50% more than biacromial distance).…”