The Relationship Between Maximal Strength and Performance Measures: A Correlational Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify if correlations existed between maximal strength in three different compound movements involving hip extension and the results of various performance tests which are potentially relevant to team sports. The three movements were the back squat, hip thrust and deadlift. The performance tests involved a sprint test, change of direction test, medicine ball test and jump tests. Previous studies have identified correlations between maximal squat strength and performance measures in resistance trained populations. However, there is little previous research in the untrained population on hip thrust and deadlift strength as a predictor of performance which our study aims to address. It is important for coaches to evaluate performance determinants in athletes so that they can tailor coaching sessions in a way which may improve overall performance. We used an untrained population in our study as the hip thrust is a non-technical movement which is easy for beginners to learn. This could identify if the hip thrust may be a useful movement for beginners to weightlifting due to the limited previous research, when compared to the more complicated squat and deadlift movements. 31 male volunteer participants took part in one repetition maximum (1RM) tests and performance tests. Statistical analysis was carried out on SPSS software using Pearson’s correlation on all relevant variables. A Bonferroni correction calculation was then performed meaning that only correlations with an α-value less than 0.0011 would be accepted as significant. There were negative correlations between the 40-yard dash time and relative squat strength as well as relative hip thrust strength whilst relative hip thrust strength also provided negative correlations between the two split times recorded. There were negative correlations observed between relative hip thrust strength and broad jump distance, and also between change of direction time and medicine ball rotational scoop toss distance. There were no correlations observed between vertical jump height and any other variables. The present findings suggest that increased strength in both the back squat and hip thrust movements could be related to increased sprint performance and, in the case of the hip thrust movement, increased acceleration performance.. The relationship between hip thrust strength and broad jump distance also suggests the importance of strength in this lift for jump performance. A strength coach may look to prescribe a training programme employing both squat and hip thrust to potentially improve performance through increasing strength in both movements.