Vertically and horizontally directed muscle power exercises: Relationships with top-level sprint performance

Abstract

The capacity to rapidly generate and apply a great amount of force seems to play a key role in sprint running. However, it has recently been shown that, for sprinters, the technical ability to effectively orient the force onto the ground is more important than its total amount. The force-vector theory has been proposed to guide coaches in selecting the most adequate exercises to comprehensively develop the neuromechanical qualities related to the distinct phases of sprinting. This study aimed to compare the relationships between vertically-directed (loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, and half-squat) and horizontally-directed (hip-thrust) exercises and the sprint performance of top-level track and field athletes. Sixteen sprinters and jumpers (including three Olympic athletes) executed vertical jumps, loaded jump squats and hip-thrusts, and sprinting speed tests at 10-, 20-, 40-, 60-, 100-, and 150-m. Results indicated that the hip-thrust is more associated with the maximum acceleration phase (i.e., from zero to 10-m; r = 0.93), whereas the loaded and unloaded vertical jumps seem to be more related to top-speed phases (i.e., distances superior to 40-m; r varying from 0.88 to 0.96). These findings reinforce the mechanical concepts supporting the force-vector theory, and provide coaches and sport scientists with valuable information about the potential use and benefits of using vertically- or horizontally-based training exercises.

Activity limitation and match load in para‐footballers with cerebral palsy: An approach for evidence‐based classification

“…For those with unilateral spasticity (ie, FT7), positive relationships were found between high accelerations and SBJ performance. This result matches with a recent finding by Loturco et al, 36 who demonstrated that hip-thrust jumps (ie, horizontal jumps such as SBJ) are more associated with the maximum acceleration phase in sports performance. In FT8 players, the positive relationship between SJ and Vel max is similar to that obtained by Beckman and Tweedy, 37 who demonstrated that SJ had a low correlation with sprint performance (30 m sprint).…”

Relationships between Resisted Sprint Performance and Different Strength and Power Measures in Rugby Players

“…In the present study, important correlations were found between the loads needed to reach 10%, 30%, and 50% of Vloss, sprint, and jump variables. Our results indicate that Vmax showed moderate to strong correlations with JH in both jumps, which is in line with those found in elite sprinters [26], track and field athletes [32], professional rugby league players [33], and rugby union players [34]. These findings are supported not only by the fact that jump height was correlated to Vmax, but also because unresisted and RST times (i.e., T 30-20BM, T 30-40BM, T 30-60BM, T 30-80BM) were strongly correlated to both jumping tasks and Vmax.…”

“…The most noticeable difference between sprinting and jumping is that the former requires the resultant force and power to be more horizontally directed, while the latter requires a vertical orientation of the abovementioned variables [35]. Nevertheless, in the later phases of sprint, where the athletes are running close to or at Vmax, vertically oriented tasks (i.e., jumping) seem to be closely associated [32]. These findings have useful implications for practitioners in the way that JH and Vmax could be used not only to identify talent and monitor training, but also as resistance training strategies, where the aim should be placed on maximizing jumping ability and, hence, sprint performance.…”

Peer Review #2 of "The effects of a 4-week mesocycle of barbell back squat or barbell hip thrust strength training upon isolated lumbar extension strength (v0.2)"

“…Manuscript to be reviewed markers such as acceleration (r=0.93 ;Loturco, et al 2018). Furthermore, Contreras, et al (2017) recently compared 6-weeks of strength training using either a front squat or BHT exercise on performance markers in adolescent males.…”