Abstract Aim The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between commonly used jump tests and sprint performance over 10 m skate on-ice. The questions we will answer are; -       What correlations exist between a set of jumping tests and the sprint ability over 10 m skate on-ice? -       Which jumping test has the strongest correlation with the sprint ability over 10 m skate on-ice? -       Are there any differences between junior- and senior players, and in that case wich? Method In this study 34 subjects participated and they were between 16-25 years of age and had 9-20 years of icehockey playing experience. They performed five jumping tests; countermovement jump with arms (CMJa), one-legged vertical jump on the right leg, one-legged vertical jump on the left leg, squat jump (SJ) and a horizontal broad jump. On-ice skate test was performed to measure the acceleration ability over 10 m skate sprint in order to try to find correlations between vertical jumping height and the sprint ability, as well as horizontal jumping length and the sprint ability. The tests were performed 48 hours apart. At the first test occasion the jumping tests were performed and at the second the on-ice test was performed. Results The results of this study shows a significant correlation between SJ and the on-ice test result, as well as between CMJa and the on-ice test result. The correlation between SJ and the On-Ice test was r = -0.422 (p < 0.05), and the correlation between CMJa and the on-ice test was r = -0.403 (p < 0.05). When comparing the jump tests to the on-ice test for only juniors no significant correlations were found. However, the seniors (n=7) showed a stronger correlation between the SJ and the on-ice test (r = -0.761, p < 0.05). Conclusions The study  confirmed that SJ is the jumping test that best correlates with  the acceleration/sprint ability skating on-ice. It was also shown that SJ is a more useful predictor for the acceleration/sprint ability for seniors than for juniors. More research will be needed for a deeper understanding of this area. / Sammanfattning Syfte Syftet med studien är att undersöka korrelationerna mellan vanligt förekommande hopptester och sprintförmåga i skridskoåkning över 10 m on-ice. De frågeställningar vi ämnar att besvara är; - Vilka eventuella korrelationer finns mellan de olika hopptesterna och sprintförmåga i skridskoåkning över 10 m on-ice? - Vilket hopptest har störst samband med sprintförmåga i skridskoåkning över 10 m onice? - Finns det några skillnader mellan junior- och seniorspelare, och i så fall vilka? Metod I denna studie deltog 34 försökspersoner (fp) de var mellan 16-25 år gamla och hade en idrottslig bakgrund på 9-20 år. De genomförde fem hopptester; countermovement jump med armdrag (CMJa), vertikalt enbenshopp på höger ben, vertikalt enbenshopp vänster ben, squat jump (SJ) och stående längdhopp. Ett on-ice test för att mäta accelerationsförmågan i skridskoåkning över 10 m genomfördes för att se samband mellan vertikal hopphöjd och accelerationsförmågan samt horisontell hopplängd och accelerationsförmåga. Testerna genomfördes med 48 timmars mellanrum. Vid första tillfället genomfördes hopptesterna och vid andra testtillfället genomfördes on-ice testet. Resultat Resultatet i denna studie visar på signifikanta korrelationer mellan SJ och on-ice testet samt mellan CMJa och on-ice testet. Mellan SJ och on-ice testet uppmättes värden där r = -0.422 (p < 0.05). Mellan CMJa och on-ice testet uppmättes värden till r = -0.403 (p < 0.05). I jämförelsen mellan hopptesterna och on-ice testet för enbart juniorer uppmättes inga signifikanta korrelationer. Däremot visade seniorspelarna (n=7) en signifikant korrelation mellan SJ och on-ice testet (r = -0.761, p < 0.05). Slutsats Studien bekräftar att SJ är det hopptest som bäst förutser acceleration/sprintförmågan i skridskoåkning on-ice. Det visade sig även att SJ är ett mer användbart test för att förutse acceleration/sprintförmågan för seniorer än för juniorer. Vidare forskning kommer att behövas för att skapa djupare förståelse inom området.

I denna översiktsartikel granskades 17 randomiserade kontroll studier som undersökt hur excentrisk träning har påverkat hopphöjd, muskelstyrka och effektutveckling hos tränade och skadefria individer, med mål att svara på följande två frågeställningar; 1) ”Är excentrisk träning ett effektivt sätt att träna för att utveckla hopphöjd, muskelstyrka och effektutveckling för tränade och skadefria individer?” 2) ”Om det är det, hur bör denna träning i så fall se ut?”. Majoriteten av insamlade studier kunde inte urskilja några signifikanta förändringar till följd av excentrisk träning. Endast sex av 17 studier kunde påvisa akuta såväl som kortsiktiga signifikanta förbättringar av hopphöjd, muskelstyrka och effektutveckling. Dock ifrågasätts relevansen av dessa fynd då effektstorleken inte rapporterats i alla studier samt att utformningen av studierna varierat från en studie till en annan. Sammantaget lyckades inte de granskade studierna bevisa att excentrisk träning är en effektiv metod för att utveckla hopphöjd, muskelstyrka och effektutveckling hos tränade och skadefria individer. / In this review 17 randomized control studies were reviewed that had examined the effects of eccentric training regarding jump height, strength and power for trained and non-injured individuals. The purpose of the review was to answer the following two questions at issue; 1) “Is eccentric training an efficient method to enhance jump height, strength or power for trained and non-injured individuals?” 2) “If so, how should that training regime be designed?”. Most of the included studies could not distinguish any significant changes because of eccentric training. Only six out of 17 studies could show acute as well as short term significant improvements in jump height, strength and power. The relevance of these findings is questioned since effect size has not been reported in all the included studies. The variety between the different interventions in each study also makes it difficult to compare the results between one study and another. In conclusion, the reviewed studies failed to show that eccentric training is an effective method to enhance jump height, strength and power for trained and non-injured individuals.

This study examined and compared the acute effects of ballistic and nonballistic concentric-only half-squats (COHSs) on squat jump performance. Fifteen resistance-trained men performed a squat jump 2 minutes after a control protocol or 2 COHSs at 90% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) COHS performed in a ballistic or nonballistic manner. Jump height (JH), peak power (PP), and allometrically scaled peak power (PPa) were compared using three 3 × 2 repeated-measures analyses of variance. Statistically significant condition × time interaction effects existed for JH (p = 0.037), PP (p = 0.041), and PPa (p = 0.031). Post hoc analysis revealed that the ballistic condition produced statistically greater JH (p = 0.017 and p = 0.036), PP (p = 0.031 and p = 0.026), and PPa (p = 0.024 and p = 0.023) than the control and nonballistic conditions, respectively. Small effect sizes for JH, PP, and PPa existed during the ballistic condition (d = 0.28–0.44), whereas trivial effect sizes existed during the control (d = 0.0–0.18) and nonballistic (d = 0.0–0.17) conditions. Large statistically significant relationships existed between the JH potentiation response and the subject's relative back squat 1RM (r = 0.520; p = 0.047) and relative COHS 1RM (r = 0.569; p = 0.027) during the ballistic condition. In addition, large statistically significant relationship existed between JH potentiation response and the subject's relative back squat strength (r = 0.633; p = 0.011), whereas the moderate relationship with the subject's relative COHS strength trended toward significance (r = 0.483; p = 0.068). Ballistic COHS produced superior potentiation effects compared with COHS performed in a nonballistic manner. Relative strength may contribute to the elicited potentiation response after ballistic and nonballistic COHS.

The purpose of this study was to compare the temporal profile of strong and weak subjects during ballistic and nonballistic potentiation complexes. Eight strong (relative back squat = 2.1 ± 0.1 times body mass) and 8 weak (relative back squat = 1.6 ± 0.2 times body mass) males performed squat jumps immediately and every minute up to 10 minutes following potentiation complexes that included ballistic or nonballistic concentric-only half-squat (COHS) performed at 90% of their 1 repetition maximum COHS. Jump height (JH) and allometrically scaled peak power (PPa) were compared using a series of 2 × 12 repeated measures analyses of variance. No statistically significant strength level main effects for JH (p = 0.442) or PPa (p = 0.078) existed during the ballistic condition. In contrast, statistically significant main effects for time existed for both JH (p = 0.014) and PPa (p < 0.001); however, no statistically significant pairwise comparisons were present (p > 0.05). Statistically significant strength level main effects existed for PPa (p = 0.039) but not for JH (p = 0.137) during the nonballistic condition. Post hoc analysis revealed that the strong subjects produced statistically greater PPa than the weaker subjects (p = 0.039). Statistically significant time main effects existed for time existed for PPa (p = 0.015), but not for JH (p = 0.178). No statistically significant strength level × time interaction effects for JH (p = 0.319) or PPa (p = 0.203) were present for the ballistic or nonballistic conditions. Practical significance indicated by effect sizes and the relationships between maximum potentiation and relative strength suggest that stronger subjects potentiate earlier and to a greater extent than weaker subjects during ballistic and nonballistic potentiation complexes.

The purpose of this study was to compare 4 methods that assess the lower-body stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) utilization of athletes. Eighty-six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes from 6 different sports performed 2 squat jumps and 2 countermovement jumps on a force platform. Pre-stretch augmentation percentage (PSAP), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength (RS) for jump height (JH) and peak power (PP) magnitudes, and reactive strength index–modified (RSImod) were calculated for each team. A series of one-way analyses of variance with a Holm-Bonferroni sequential adjustment were used to compare differences in PSAP, EUR, RS, and RSImod between teams. Statistical differences in RSImod (p < 0.001) existed between teams, whereas no statistical differences in PSAP-JH (p = 0.150), PSAP-PP (p = 0.200), EUR-JH (p = 0.150), EUR-PP (p = 0.200), RS-JH (p = 0.031), or RS-PP (p = 0.381) were present. The relationships between PSAP, EUR, and RS measures were all statistically significant and ranged from strong to nearly perfect (r = 0.569–1.000), while most of the relationships between PSAP, EUR, and RS measures and RSImod were trivial to small (r = 0.192–0.282). Pre-stretch augmentation percentage and EUR, RS, and RSImod values indicate that women's tennis, men's soccer, and men's soccer teams may use the SSC most effectively, respectively. Pre-stretch augmentation percentage, EUR, RS, and RSImod values may show vastly different results when comparing an individual's and a team's ability to use the SSC. Practitioners should consider using RSImod to monitor the SSC utilization of athletes due to its timing component.

Azyklische Beinstreckbewegungen stellen mit der Erzeugung hoher Absprunggeschwindigkeiten in vielen Sportarten wesentliche Teilleistungen dar, die durch Gelenkleistungen der unteren Extremitäten limitiert werden. An maximal willentlich ausgeführten Beinstreckbewegungen mit dem Ziel größtmöglicher Endbeschleunigung des Körperschwerpunkts hat die kniestreckende Muskulatur den größten Anteil. Mit geeigneten Muskelparametern lässt sich das Kontraktionsverhalten und damit die mechanische Antriebsleistung von Muskeln unter verschiedenen Arbeitsbedingungen kennzeichnen und das Training wirksam steuern. In dieser Arbeit wurde ein Instrumentarium zur individuellen Bestimmung von Muskelparametern der Kraft-Geschwindigkeit-Längen-Relation für die Kniestrecker entwickelt. Dies beinhaltete ein isokinetisches Testprogramm das die von antagonistischen Einflüssen isolierte Kraftdiagnose der kniestreckenden Muskulatur gewährleistet. Mit den in den Tests erhobenen Eingangsdaten konnten mit einem wirklichkeitsnahen Geometriemodell, inverser Dynamik und einem Optimierungsverfahren plausible Muskelparameter, u. a. die maximale Muskelleistung, für sechs Kadersportler berechnet werden. Am Beispiel eines Strecksprungs ohne Sprunggelenkeinsatz wurde gezeigt, dass die berechneten Parameter zur muskelkraftgesteuerten Simulation in Muskel-Skelett-Modellen geeignet sind und so die Optimierung der sportlichen Technik unter Berücksichtigung der individuell limitierten Antriebsleistung im Kniegelenk möglich ist.

Monitoring tests are commonly used to assess weightlifter’s preparedness for competition. Although various monitoring tests have been used, it is not clear which test is the strongest indicator of weightlifting performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) determine the relationships between vertical jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and weightlifting performance; and (2) compare vertical jumps to IMTP as monitoring tests of weightlifting performance in a large cohort of male and female weightlifters. Methods: Fifty-two competitive weightlifters (31 males, 21 females) participated in squat and countermovement jump testing (SJ, CMJ), and IMTP testing performed on force plates. All laboratory testing data was correlated to a recent competition where the athletes had attempted to peak. Results: Squat jump height (SJH) was the strongest correlate for men and women with the Sinclair Total (r = 0.686, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.487, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) compared to countermovement jump height (r = 0.642, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.413, p = 0.063), IMTP peak force allometrically scaled to body mass (r = 0.542, p ≤ 0.01; r = −0.044, p = 0.851) and rate of force development at 200 ms (r = 0.066, p = 0.723; r = 0.086, p = 0.711), respectively. Further, SJH was a stronger correlate of relative weightlifting performance compared to IMTP peak force in females (p = 0.042), but not male weightlifters (p = 0.191). Conclusions: Although CMJ and IMTP are still considered strong indicators of weightlifting performance, SJH appears to be the most indicative measure of weightlifting performance across a wide-range of performance levels. Thus, SJH can be used as a reliable measure to monitor weightlifting performance in male and female weightlifters.

Azyklische Beinstreckbewegungen stellen mit der Erzeugung hoher Absprunggeschwindigkeiten in vielen Sportarten wesentliche Teilleistungen dar, die durch Gelenkleistungen der unteren Extremitäten limitiert werden. An maximal willentlich ausgeführten Beinstreckbewegungen mit dem Ziel größtmöglicher Endbeschleunigung des Körperschwerpunkts hat die kniestreckende Muskulatur den größten Anteil. Mit geeigneten Muskelparametern lässt sich das Kontraktionsverhalten und damit die mechanische Antriebsleistung von Muskeln unter verschiedenen Arbeitsbedingungen kennzeichnen und das Training wirksam steuern. In dieser Arbeit wurde ein Instrumentarium zur individuellen Bestimmung von Muskelparametern der Kraft-Geschwindigkeit-Längen-Relation für die Kniestrecker entwickelt. Dies beinhaltete ein isokinetisches Testprogramm das die von antagonistischen Einflüssen isolierte Kraftdiagnose der kniestreckenden Muskulatur gewährleistet. Mit den in den Tests erhobenen Eingangsdaten konnten mit einem wirklichkeitsnahen Geometriemodell, inverser Dynamik und einem Optimierungsverfahren plausible Muskelparameter, u. a. die maximale Muskelleistung, für sechs Kadersportler berechnet werden. Am Beispiel eines Strecksprungs ohne Sprunggelenkeinsatz wurde gezeigt, dass die berechneten Parameter zur muskelkraftgesteuerten Simulation in Muskel-Skelett-Modellen geeignet sind und so die Optimierung der sportlichen Technik unter Berücksichtigung der individuell limitierten Antriebsleistung im Kniegelenk möglich ist.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal strength, power output, and maximum potentiation characteristics. The vastus lateralis and biceps femoris CSA, one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat, 1RM concentric-only half-squat (COHS) strength, static jump power output, and maximum potentiation characteristics of 17 resistance-trained men was assessed during several testing sessions. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationships between CSA, strength, power output, and maximum potentiation measures. Moderate-to-strong relationships existed between CSA and strength measures (r = 0.462–0.643) as well as power output (r = 0.396–0.683). In addition, moderate-to-strong relationships existed between strength and power output (r = 0.407–0.548), while trivial relationships existed between strength and maximum potentiation (r = −0.013–0.149). Finally, small negative relationships existed between CSA and maximum potentiation measures (r = −0.229–−0.239). The results of the current study provide evidence of the interplay between muscle CSA, strength, power, and potentiation. Vastus lateralis and biceps femoris CSA may positively influence an individual’s back squat and COHS maximal strength and squat jump peak power; however, muscle CSA and absolute strength measures may not contribute to an individual’s potentiation capacity. Practitioners may consider implementing resistance training strategies that improve vastus lateralis and biceps femoris size in order to benefit back squat and COHS strength. Furthermore, implementing squatting variations—both full and partial—may benefit jumping performance.

Title: A comparison of dynamic abilities in nordic ski disciplines Aim: This dissertation aims to compare the dynamic abilities of cross country skiers and ski jumper in age between 12 to 15. Clarification of whether or not a training process of those two athlete groups has a crucial impact on the development of mentioned abilities compared to the other hobby sports group (target group). Methodology: This dissertation is conceived as empiric-theoretical. It analyses the results of samples to verify the hypothesis. There were three groups consisting of 10 samples (athletes) in total. The samples were tested in horizontal jumps (long jump, triple jump, multiple jumps) and vertical jumps (squat jump, counter movement jump). In all tests, it was decided to use only the best of all three attempts for the results. Findings: Development of dynamic abilities during the training process has a positive impact on their development in general. Both cross country skiers and ski jumpers achieved better results than the target group. Furthermore, ski jumpers performed better than cross country skiers. Keywords: physical health, sport performance, cross country skiing, ski jumping, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), long jump, triple jump, multiple jumps