EFFECT OF A SPECIFIC STRENGTH TRAINING ON THE DEPTH SQUAT WITH DIFFERENT LOAD: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to verify if a specific strength training program can reduce the transition time from descent to ascent phase in squat exercise. The kinematic and temporal data of 3 depth squats with different load (35%, 40%, 45% of 1RM) during 2 test sessions, before and after a specific strength training program, have been collected. The Track and Field 400 m Italian Champion have been analysed during the depth squat through an optoelectronic stereophotogrammetric system for tridimensional motion analysis. The collected data were: knee and hip angles, time of eccentric and concentric phase (descent and ascent times), the transition time (from descent to ascent phase). The results show that a specific strength training can develop the speed of movement and, particularly, decrease the transition phase time at heavy load. This method can be useful to search an optimal depth squat load and to develop the Stretch Shortening Cycle (SSC) speed.