Relationship Between Maximum Strength and Vertical Jump Performance in Junior Speed Skaters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between back squat maximal strength, maximal isometric force, jump squat and countermovement jump and whether power training improves parameters mentioned above in well-trained speed skaters. Sixteen athletes devided in two groups, performed two maximal squat strength test and two vertical jump test before and after the intervention program. Absolute strength showed a strong correlation with squat jump height (r = 0.762, p < 0.001) and countermovement jump height (r = 0.760, p < 0.001) but also between maximal isometric force and squat jump (r = 0.418, p = 0.036). Percentage change within the experiment group were significantly different from pre to post intervention for each parameter tested in the order described, respectively: 14%; 16.8%; 14.9%; 9.1%. These results suggest that jump squat training can improve several athletic performances developing high levels of lower body strength to enhance jump performance.