What? “A Comparison of Maximal Squat Strength and 5-, 10-, and 20-Meter Sprint Times, in Athletes and Recreationally Trained Men” by Comfort, Bullock and Pearson, in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning 2012. Researchers studied whether sprinting performance can be linked and improved by maximum squat strength. The researchers compared sprinting times and squat strength of both trained rugby players and untrained recreational players.
Results? Researchers found that both populations had significant positive correlations between 5 meter sprint times and squat strength. This suggests that squat strength could be a major factor in improving the 5 meter sprint. This is because improving squat strength relies on the body’s ability to overcome and accelerate body weight in short periods of time.
So What? Besides the benefits of improving cardiovascular health and improving body shape, research is finding that weight and strength training may improve sport performance. This study specifically linked the ability to improve sprinting speed with squat strength. If more research is produced which links strength training to sport performance success, more and more people may turn to weight lifting as a regular form of exercise.
Thanks again to Bret Contreras and Chris Beardsley for highlighting this study.
Photo via wwarby
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