INFLUENCE OF JUMPING MEASURES AND SQUAT 1RM ON SPRINT SPEED IN RUGBY UNION PLAYERS

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of countermovement (CMJ), squat (SJ), and rebound jumps (RBJ), estimated 1RM back squat (SQ), contact time (CT) and Reactive Strength Index (RSI) for the RBJ to 30 m sprint time of sub-elite, semi-professional Rugby Union players. The results show that with the exception of SQ and CT, all variables were significantly (p < 0.001) correlated to each other (r > .575). The best determinant of predicting 30 m sprint time was RSI. The relationships of SJ, CMJ, and RBJ jump height and RSI to 30 m sprint time suggest that these rapid movements are all common in Rugby Union players. The results show that estimated 1 RM back squat has little influence on sprint performance.