Research Impact: The use of isometric strength testing, particularly the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), has increased rapidly in the past decade. The relationship between isometric measures of strength measured during the IMTP and isometric squat (ISqT) and sprint performance has been established between field sport athletes including rugby and soccer. The relationship between the IMTP and sprint performance has been examined in sprinters, but the authors did not examine the 0 – 5 m segment of the sprint, which differs greatly from the proceeding sections. To date, no paper has investigated the relationship between the ISqT and sprint performance in sprinters. When examining sprint athletes, the majority of papers generally end up having sprinters included in a large heterogeneous group or a small homogenous group. This paper has examined the relationship between both the IMTP and ISqT and acceleration performance among a group of male and female sprinters of international and national level. In addition, we examined if isometric measures are able to predict sprint performance and determine what variable has the greatest influence on sprint performance. With a wide variety of test protocols available for coaches to choose from, coaches need to understand how these strength qualities differ, to target training appropriately and select diagnostic tests that relate most specifically to sprinting. The article concludes with practical applications for coaches on the uses and limitations of isometric strength testing for sprint athletes
Brady CJ,Harrison AJ, Flanagan EP, Haff GG, and Comyns TM. The Relationship Between Isometric Strength and Sprint Acceleration in Sprinters. Int J Sports Physiol Perform: 1-25, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0151
Claire Brady is a PhD researcher in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick. Her research interests include strength & conditioning, sports performance, biomechanics, anatomy & physiology. You can contact Claire by email claire.brady@ul.ie follow Claire on Twitter @clairejbrady or view her profile on Research Gate or ORCID
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