THE RELATIONS BETWEEN POWER AND FORCE VARIABLES REALIZED DURING THE SQUAT JUMP WITH START PERFORMANCE IN NATIONAL LEVEL MALE SPRINT SWIMMERS 

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the relation between muscle contractile potential of the leg extensor muscles and starting performance, and to determine whether the level of average power, peak power, maximal force, relative power, average relative power, relative force, jump height and jump velocity measured with the Squat Jump without the arm swing (SJ) are related to the efficiency of start performance (t10m). Twenty-seven male competitive swimmers performed one trial of the SJ test and two swimming start trials corresponding to a 10m distance. The results of Pearson’s correlation showed a statistically significant relation between start efficiency (t10m) and the variables of average power (r = -0.403, p = 0.037), peak power (r = - 0.391, p = 0.044), maximal force (r = -0.420, p = 0.029), relative power (r = - 0.547, p = 0.027), average relative power (r = -0.588, p = 0.023), relative force (r = -0.644, p = 0,007). However, jump height and jump velocity did not show a statistically significant correlation. Regression equation for t10m prediction was defined by the following variables: maximal force (F_max) and relative force (F_rel). The best model to predict starting time on the 10m included consideration of two variables, SJ maximal force and SJ relative force (R = 0.640, R² adjusted = 0.410). Additionally, the results of this study suggest that swimmers, with higher maximal force values and higher relative force values of leg extensors, should be able to be faster on the 10m-mark than swimmers with lower maximal and relative values.